Another part will commence,enjoy for now.

Nate

Two days after Thalia's disappearance

October 20th 2011

I walked down the hallway ,my anger at its peak with clenched fists.I felt so hurt and used as I walked the locker lined hallway.I felt all eyes glued to my back as people whispered and pointed at me from their phones.I raised an eyebrow and looked around with apparent confusion.

Thalia stood me up.

I wished I saw all the signs about her odd behaviour but I didn't.

Why couldn't she be upfront with me ?

I came to school early because I knew by then ,Thalia would be there.Then I would confront ,right there and there and I wouldn't care if everybody saw.I nodded at my thoughts.I would demand answers but the weight of the eyes on me made me dart my head back and forth in confusion.

Why couldn't she be upfront with me?

Questions swarmed my head as I tried to get answers and it landed on a conclusion about Thalia—her father.No,that wasn't possiable.She texted me and said she was on her way and Thalia probably lied to her dad just to come or she had zero intention of visiting and that was a lie?

Did she even leave the house ?

My hope was a sandcastle and Thalia came and destroyed and flooded its foundation with a simple text.But her behaviour ,obviously she was not okay.When was she ever okay ?

I planned everything.The movies we would watch ,the jokes I would say ,the park we would go to and even the strangest thing a visit to the Art Museum of Ontario and that was something I had zero internet cause I wasn't a art porn lover.The snacks and everything but he never came and left me on read and ghosted me.

I was stranded like that guy who only had a ball for a companion.

What the heck ?

After I angrily shoved my books into my locker and slammed it.I still felt all the eyes on me and the points and sad faces that blurred by.Oddly enough,people watched me ,mostly girls with looks of—pity.My face scrunched with further confusion as I picked out odd words like " poor boy" and " my condolences".

I opened the door and entered into the classroom with anger high in my mind but evaporated as soon as I entered the class.The class got quiet ,all conversation seized as everyone turned to look at me with that same look.Sadness and pity.My feet stopped mid step and my gaze landed on Thalia's desk ,cold and empty just like Hayleys.On the first row where they both sat.Everyone on their phones stopped to stare at me as if I was an alien from Mars.

She didn't come?

People's eyes landed on me and they were still quiet.

"Nate,"Sasha waved me over me a smile ,warm and bright strange to the dull ,sad atmosphere.She beamed brighter the sun."Come over."Her blonde hair was plaited into a french braid as I looked around with raised brows ,eyes still hot on my trail with frowns then I awkwardly sank onto the seat beside Sasha.Who looked astonished.

I looked around ,my legs like lead.''Whys everyone acting so strange?''I asked then Sassha leaned back ,pursed her lips and looked straight ahead ,lost in space or somewhere.

Then she turned to me with her brown eyebrows raised,"You didn't hear?''I merely shrugged and looked around as murmurs exploded behind me.

"Poor boy."

"That must hurt."

"Acting so strange does he even know?"

My face contorted in further confusion and oddly enough two girls who wished I was dead stood beside us asif they waited for us to patiently stop our conversation."Is like a funeral in here.Did someone die?"

Joyce and Chloe exchanged a worried glance at each other before they looked at me horrified and frowned deeply.

"You really don't know?''Chloe gasped ,her tanned hand on her lips.

Joyce's eyes widened with a gasp,"I thought he was joking or in denial.''Her black hair was decorated with pink studded headphones.

Diana ,that grey eyed witch looked at me with pity and oddly concerned and I really resisted the urge to glare at her or flip her off.It was strange that she didn't stare at me with her useful spitefulness then she raised her brow. "Do you live under a rock or something cause everyone heard of it.It happened on Saturday."

I was on my feet in an instant."What happened ?"

Then she sighed and clapped her hands softly."I guess he doesn't know."A nervous looking boy with wild brown curls and chubby body ran towards the side of the class and dragged the schools small television towards the side of the Teachers desk.Then the boy sauntered back after he switched it on.

It showed a news report from last Saturday and in front of a park—a very familiar park stood a blonde news reporter dressed with a grey scarf and thick winter coat.The headline ,that very headline made my blood run cold.

Mass Hysteria Caused By Teen Girl.

"Reporting live from Downtown Toronto park ,a young girl about thirteen got into a car crash but disappeared entirely.Authorities are still investigating this strange event and others are worried it could cause a hysteria due to the large amount of witnesses who claimed she vainished.She acted strangely of showing signs of distress of screaming and shouting or just staring at people."She paused and stared ahead,"And it happened at two thirty."My blood ran cold in my veins as my back straightened instantly.

That was the last time she texted me before ...before she ghosted me or vanished.People didn't know to believe.I didn't know what to believe.

Then it moved on to peoples reactions and thoughts,"It was crazy.This kid ran up to me and screamed and looked as if someone wanted to kill her.''A black guy muttered ,face lit up in surprise.

A young guy in a cap just pointed at the road in the park by the neighbourhood."So I was right there by the road when saw it happin.I was listening to music and then this kid was running' and screaming' and actin' like mad or mental as Brit peeps call it.I was just walkin' and bam the kid vanisheed with a puff.I promised you that I am sane as hell."

Then it showed an image of her running with a horrified expression and some short recordings which trended on Facebook and Twitter about her odd behaviour.

"I was jogging and I saw the kid earlier and she walked straight into the woods.I was shocked and surprised."Then the blonde jogger guy in the red cap sighed."Poor kid,didn't know she was in the middle of a halluicanation.My regards."

A lump bobbed on my throat as I gazed on the tabletop.Whatever anger I felt vanished almost immediately.And all I felt was raw shame ,concern and sadness aa my heart shattered into pieces.My blood ran cold as the news went on and the whole class held its breath and watched intently as if they watched it for the first time completely.

Then they showed her missing report.

A lanky Black adolescent girl with short hair ,gauged ears and sad expression beside age ,looks and numbers and last seen.But it got from bad to worse as more witnesses poured in.Each report broke my heart further.

They showed the one who saw it all.The car who allegedly crashed Thalia but there was no body and it was broad daylight and made zero to little sense to anyone.

He was a man with long stern features but that calm demeanour was replaced with a farantic ,confused man in a silver suit and grey tie.His eyes were wild and confused."So I drove my car and I saw this child running and I thought ,I thought that I crashed the kid and wanted to see if she was alright."He paused ,took his breathe and stared at the ground for a hot minute then stared at camera with wild confused eyes."I left my car on the road ,job forgotten by the park side and went to check if she was alright but she vanished.Poof.Vanished like she wasn't even there at all.I was scared and confused and until now ,I wondered if she was even real."

The headline below finally made more sense.

Thirteen-year old Thalia Ohiniwaa vanished , a local Canadian teen who caused a mass hysteria.

A blonde lady ,tall and lean also narrated her tale with confusion with a sad smile."I was jogging earlier too but I saw the kid seconds before disaster.She ran straight passed me sacred and horrified and acting all crazy."She folded her arms behind her and sighed."Didn't know the kid was hallucinating."

Another girl ,about twelve twisted my heart.She was about Thalia's age and she knew her persaonnly.Then I realised that maybe ,just maybe I didn't know her as much as I thought I did.She barely talked about her regular school life and friends there.There was a thick wall that barricaded me from knowing her and I never bothered to ask.But she reminded me of her and I doubted that I would ever see her again.

Under everyone who spoke was their name and age but I blurred it out of my mind mentally cause all I wanted was answers and a story.The girl skin was far lighter than her rich dark brown and had thick curly black hair pulled back and dark eyes but strangely ,compared to everyone she looked rather annoyed and sad.Her eyes blazed with wild anger and her voice was heavy with guilt and sadness."I knew Thalia—we were friends ,just barely."She took in a deep breathe and fisted her hands with a hiss."But that's not the point.I saw her pass by—I was angry about everything and wanted to give her a piece of my mind for ditching me—us and never saying anything and I-I thought she ignored me.She screamed at me then countied running like something was chasing her and she ignored me.Her eyes were wide with fear and I didnt know she was seeing things."She shook her head ,her voice thick with emotion and tears glistened in her eyes.

She by far was the youngest ,and something made me think about her appearance and something made me realise that I needed her.Something told me to never forget her that she was a clue and a link to her.Well by far and the only link to her.Plus she knew her personally.Somethig told me I would see her again probably.

I would never forget her.And I would make sure of it.

The girl sniffed and sniffed hard and wiped her face with the back of her palm as the news reporter ,a blonde lady dressed in a winter coat and scarf tied around her neck smiled at her."And is it true you found something?A link to her perhaps."

She nodded,"Yes."Another sniff."She dropped her cellphone."And gulped and pulled out a heavy blue hardcover.Then she opened the book and showed it.It was empty with no words or illustrations.Whatever that girl held was one of the last thing that Thalia held before ,before—she passed.Or vanished.

My heart cracked but I couldn't help but gaze at the TV alarmed and confused.The question that hung in the air that others had like me.Murmurs spread around like wildfire.

Why was the book empty?

And why was she holding it?
"The police found the cell phone and were able to find DNA prints and unlock the phone but strangely the phone was oddly cold and completely soaked.''The news reporter continued ,her serious face a mask of confusion.

It was strange.Yeah,it was cold and freezing but it hasn't snowed yet and the ground was hard but not cold.It was peculiar and that raised more questions.

Diana looked at me ,her lips pursed and grey eyes lost in space and stared directly at me."The reason why everyone knew about you Nate was before the phone was a complete bust they were able to retrieve your conversations with Thalia."

A lump bobbed in my throat with a nod as they replayed my conservations.The recent one thank God but still ,it was still exposed to not just my peers but the whole of Ontario or maybe ,just Toranto.

With our bright and happy hellos and when I asked how she was and where she was.Then they brought out the big guns.

I am leaving the house.Thalia texted that around one thirty.The address I sent which was blurred was further privacy which I realised a sigh of painful relief.Then Be there soon and I am almost there was around one forty then two thirty.They showed further my spammy hellos ,seen ticks taken the time stamp.

I wanted to shrivel up and hoped the ground swallowed me whole because all It did was remind me of all the feelings and sadness I felt.Now I knew that Thalia did attempt to come over ,that she didn't ghost me or that she was either dead or somewhere.I sniffed hard.That was right beside my house and the anger I felt was now replaced with sadness towards her.

It resumed after guys gave me nods and stared at me and said words of condolences and other things just to comfort me but through everthing.My heart was heavy and Sasha's back was just against the chair and just stared at everyone with confusion and looked forward.

Ali looked at me with an apparent smile and nodded solemnly."Sorry Nate.I know it hurts since you were the last person that was in contact with her."Then he stared at me and gulped and met Diana's tough and unrelenting gaze."Word goes around that the cops would come later so you can testify.Good luck."

I stared directly at the screen.My heart heavier in my chest and weighed me down.I averted my gaze and gulped a lump bobbed on my throat as if I tasted bile.And the world beneath me collapsed under my feet.

Thalia's disappearance—or death did not only affect me but it affected all us and the entire school even.

I tried not to let those words or sting me even but it did and even exposed how truly everyone felt about her.

Many people had their share to speak and the one I saw before I averted my gaze ,was a boy about my age ,fourteen or older ,dressed in a tank top and shorts with a pair of flip flops and under his armpit was a ball,a soccer ball.He nodded frantically when the reporter asked if he saw her."Yeah,I saw her.I was playing ball"—he thrusted the ball forward—"It hit her in the face and I tried to apologise to her but she just gaped and stared at me like mad and as if she didn't hear me at all with a scream."

My lips pursed and my head turned down.This all happened thirty minutes before assembly but to me it pulled like an hour or two.The world blurred and the voices faded to none.

I drifted off again then I was yanked back down as Sasha snapped her back and forth with a scowl and crossed her arms.

I croaked as they showed the last one,a tall lady with long brown hair and dressed in all black and looked about forty with a permentment scrawl plastered to her face."I saw her earlier but she bumped into me and didn't apologise and before I could demand one she screamed at me and continued her wild goose chase."She bowed her head ,a sad curtain of chocolate obscured her vision but she was sad and it was evident."Poor child ,may be she found or be relieved of her pain."

After that they showed her parents ,side to side.Thalia's mom head cradled in her hands as she sobbed loudly and her husband ,the monster and giant stood next to her as he tapped her back just barely and stood there as still as a statue as he spoke about her coming back safe and hopes she's fine and her mother spoke in between sobs about God bringing her baby back.

The news ended with the lady who concluded,"Authorities are still investigating and not all could be exposed.The police does not know whether this was all a hysteria ,a mass hallucination or there was an actual death today.Currently ,all witnesses are currently testifying and seeking help about whatever happen today.Until till next time.This was afternoon news at two with Madeline Carter.Still put for a follow up."The normal run time was unusually longer than usual.

The recording stopped as the curly boy switched it off and wheeled the screen away with a deep breath and scampered towards Diana and her lips peeled into asmile.His ears tinged red as he wadded back to his seat.

Sasha rolled her eyes as the room exploded into commentary.

A girl in the back rows eyes lit up."If we aren't careful.This would be more than a follow up news.It would be a documentary.''She replied.

Another girl beside her shrugged and replied,"Nuh-huh.This would rather become the true crime of 2011.No,a supernatural mystery waiting to be solved."

The two girls exploded into a violent match of what might happen but I just sat there dumbfounded and frozen and gaped at the screen as others showered me with pity and others whispered about wishing they knew her better and other things.Peers I knew brought this back to the rumour that happened a weeks before.

"Karma."

"Deserved."

Where sprinkled in the mix which made my blood curdle in my veins and skin red.

"Didn't Thalia spread a rumour?"One asked ,a curly red haired boy as others agreed as they darted their gaze to Diana who shrugged."And you sponsored it,"I bit my lip and stared at the empty desk ,cold and unused of Thalia.

The school was going to go to shit.Sasha had a glare match with Diansa who seemed not bothered and stared at me with a frown.Worry or sadness I couldn't tell and oddly with her.I knew nothing which ran through her head.

The school was known for harbouring child prodigies ,talented kids and the rich but it was known for helping students with disabilities and mental issues which would eventually lead the cops here.But know since they school tried to bury the alleged child pregnancy and rich athlete by expelling and suspending them and organised a PTA meeting and sex education for all grades.Now they a child's disappearance and alleged death which could get the school in serious ,legal shit for not creating a safe peace.

The door opened and a teacher walked in.Tall ,thin and unfamiliar dressed in slacks and dress shirt.I raised my eyebrow at the stranger who stood in front of the class and when his eyes landed on me he said,"Sorry,Nate,"He apologised then smiled and shoved his glasses to his face and ruffled his tousled dark red hair."Well,"he began."My name is Greg and I would be your substitute homeroom teacher till the other recovers."

I averted my head and scoffed.

Recovered ?For what embarrassing a student who allegedly died or vanished.We had minutes to kill before morning assembly then homeroom but then my blood ran cold in my veins.

"Nathaniel Jay Williams please proceed to the principal's office immediately."A gulp formed in my throat and all eyes were glued to my back and my whole world shattered.With a deep breathe ,I got up with jelly legs as the class collectively held their breath as I left the class.All eyes on me and walked out and the class exploded in conversations when the door slammed shut.

I walked towards her office with my heart heavy and hammered in my chest as the locker lined hallway seemed to stretch out before me and here and there were students who darted towards their next class but the world faded and blurred to me like a timelapse.When I realised a breathe ,I was at the door and in the hallway some students ,much older stared and pointed at me with frowns and pity.

Did everyone know about it better than me ?

I knocked the door multiple times then opened the door when Miss Harroway told me to come in.We were both going to miss morning assembly but this was more important than that so I had an excuse.

Even though I was a troublesome student, not once was I invited for an audience with the principal so to be honest ,I was surprised and I knew that I didn't do anything bad.But that did not douse the fear I had which grew on me as I walked in.

Miss Harroway office was a very normal one.It was a large square office with a long hallway towards her mahogany tale decorated with pens and pencils all aligned and behind her was heavy curtains and on either side was two cabinets.On the table sat Miss Harroway ,a stern faced woman with black hair a tight knot on her head and a deep frown which made her unpleasant and she was dressed in a blazer and skirt with hands intertwined on her desk.

"Hello Mr Williams.''The principal greeted and gestured for me to sit.I sat in the middle and looked around where two other chairs with a surprised look and sat on the seat.

A sigh released from her lips as cracked noises echoed from her fingers."Is a tragic day isn't it?"she asked as I bowed my head and played with my fingers.

"Yes."I responded with gulp.

"This school has suffered from two tragedies already.Such a shame."Then she cocked her head."From my sources ,I heard you knew nothing about it right ?"Then she stared at me with raised brow."That I don't get .Don't todays youth use the internet more?"

I nodded and averted her chilly gaze."I don't have internet."I replied honestly.

But she wasn't convinced as she nodded curtly."The News?"

I shook my head and leaned back as she muttered something about the youth and not social."Well,you must be wondering why I called you.The Ohinwaas or in your understanding ,her parents want to seek audience.They have many questions."She began then paused,"Are you okay ?"

I stared at her with wide eyes.Thalia's parents are here?My lips parted agape and the floor gave way.

She stared at me confused.

"Oh."I gasped, then apologised, and nodded."Sure."

She looked at me and muttered,"Usually I prefer if students looked me in the eye but since in your case ,I don't have an issue but other students who can't do that.I see no problem."

I nodded with a gulp as two familiar people strode into the room as the bigger one closed the door softly.They were both dressed in winter clothes, black trench coats. Thalia's mom was small in comparison to her giant of a husband.

A gulp formed on my throat as I watched them move towards us.Her mother had a braided curtain of hair blocked her face and through the curtains was bloodshot eyes and my breathe hitched.My thoughts wandered to all the thoughts her mother had about her daughter's whereabouts and just the thought reminded me of my mother ,heartbroken,scared and worried when I vanished and returned home at one am in the morning.But it was worse because her mother had to bury a child ,an unseen corpse if Thalia was truly dead.My heart lurched in my chest.

As she sat down ,she sniffed and sniffed as they sat next to me as my blood curdle in my veins and my breath hitched in my thraot.My chest contracted in my chest.A dark shadow loomed on me as Miss Harroway greeted both parents with an award winning smile too preppy for the occasion as a familiar man sat beside me.

Her father.

Oh ,how I wanted the ground to swallow me up whole.While Thalia's mom ,later found out as Miss Abigail stood as still as a statue but he was blank faced and emotionless with a deep frown on his face as if this bored him to death.He snapped his gaze towards me as the world began to fade away and his lips stretched into a smile which exposed sharp canines while his eyes glowed a rich red with pupils squeezed into silts.His ears grown was pointed as his laughter ,screeched and long echoed all around us.

The air was immediately sucked out of my lungs as I gaped at the man—the monster in front of me who laughed ,sharp and piercing as it echoed in the far corners of my head.He laughed.

Her mothers eyes widened as she stared at her husband odd behaviour and placed her palm on his shoulder and gaped at him with shocked disapproval but he stared at her with a smile.She shook her head and playfully pushed his shoulder as he returned to normal and laughed all this as Miss Harroway looked at parents with raised brows and folded hands.

Now it was my turn to gape at that pair and his behaviour.How he acted like a child caught playing a joke and was caught or a mother disapproval to her ward.I knew her mother was no stranger to the world ,a little world he lived in and created to torment and she saw it.

"Now Nate,"she began with her lips pursed as she realised a heavy sigh,"we are going to ask you a series of questions just in case you know what truly happened.Would you answer it if thats okay with you?"

I was taken aback by Thalia's mom reamark because she looked sad and had a heavy heart as her voice seeped with emotion but remained oddly stable ,then she nodded with a sniff and sat back.But I nodded.

A sad ,heavy sigh was released from her lips as she nodded grimly to her husband.His earlier scrowl melted off and glares aimed at her vanished too then he turned towards me and cleared his throat with a smile.He began,"What were you and my daughter intending to do?"He asked, his tone severe.

I nodded and answered honestly even though it stung me but I knew I had to tell the truth.I groaned and looked skyward.I told him that we were going to watch a couple of films and go to park but I left out the Art Museum thing because they whole time he glared at me and frowned deeper at me.All he did was stare at me ,laughed and scoffed."Sure you did."then he raised his hands and looked at his wives bowed head."Thalia never told us what she intended to do all she did was left."Then he chuckled at his wife but Miss Harroway only started with a cocked head.She melted into the background."So this is what she'd been doing.She lied to us just to spend time with the opposite sex .Just typical."

Like a mother, like a daughter.

He didn't have to say those words and yet I knew.It was an unspoken rule that we both knew and yet I felt shameful for my knowledge.I averted my head and frowned as guilt bubbled inside me.

She sighed,"She never told us her whereabouts that day."Or any other.

"When was the last time you saw her?"This time it was Thalia's mom who asked as my face scrunched in confusion as I remembered that these two were both in the news but she shook her head and looked at me with teary eyes."From your perspective?"

I nodded slowly and repented for my honesty but this was all for her.I replied,"Two thirty."I paused,"that was the last time I met her before but the last one was on Friday."

Then it was up to Thalia's dad to ask questions and he was not merciful at all.He was like bullets all aimed so fast that I could breathe.After that demonic encounter ,I shuddered.But things got from bad to worse.I felt as if the floor gave way beneath me.The world blurred and faded as people stretched far and wide.The world become a pale blue as the temperature dropped till it was freezing.My skin paled as my fingers become tensed and my eyes and that seemed to constrict then a whoosh seeped from the door as thick black smoke billowed from the bar under the door as it flowed towards me.People felt far away ,unattributable and featureless and their voices was drowned in satic.It was just me and my thoughts.All clouded as my feet turned to lead as I choked on saliva and my breath hitched.

The smoked billowed and and above me till I saw beady red eyes and he shadow morphed into spiny teeth and a creepy smile stretched as my whole body tensed an the temperature lowered drastically and my lips were zipped and my burgled eyes snap to the gaze as my back arched painful then it dispersed as the icy ,metallic laughter echoed in my mind till it entered me and seeped into my pores and bones.With a shudder and a shiver of my bones.It left as fast it come ,it dispersed as my lips trembled and my fist danced.Sweat clung to my shirt to my back and my hair was plastered to my moist forehead as I tried to recover as Mr Ohinwaas slaughtered echoed as her mother stared at me with shocked ,confused eyes.

They knew.

They both knew.

The questions did not stop nor waver.In fact ,it got even worse.I stared at him with my lips parted and my body wet with sweat.I couldn't shake that feeling off that more things were to come.

"What was your relationship with my daughter?''He asked ,his tone hot and voice raised. His eyes wide.My blood ran cold in my veins as I stared at him with a gape.My shoulders fell to despair then my eyes raised to the beast of a man whose lips pulled into a sneer as he watched me as if I was nothing or gum at his shoe.

Friends.Our relationship was strictly platonic.It was what I had said to him but he only gawked at me with wide eyes then he scoffed and looked at me totally horrified.It was if I told him that I wanted to drown or wether the sky was purple or peach.My voice was weak and a frown formed on my lips but I guessed that was not the answer he expected or preferred but I was famished.A sad,heavy sigh escaped my lips as I ran my pale,beaded sweaty hands over my wild ,blonde curls darkened by the sun and pressed a plan to my fingers.

But I was honest but why did my heart wrench nad constrict in my throat and chest like a whip tied around it.It left a bitter feeling but I guess he didn't get it.That guys and girls could be friends and love one another platonically.Laughter ,easy going and doubt filled the room then he chuckled.

"Sure,"was all he muttered with a cruel smile and a long chuckle.

Thalia's dad unnerved me to the core of my veins especially when his body convulsed with shrill laughter.

Miss Harroway was a statue the entire time and raised a brow on her lean brown face as she darted her head back and forth then with an odd sigh then she pressed her palms flat on the table but she said nothing.

But then as if revived from her slumber ,Thalia's mom who becomes quiet had un hunched herself from her position.She stared at me ,her eyes glossy with potential tears ,breathe unsteady then she asked me a strange question,"Before the day of her disappearance ,was she acting strange?"

My eyes trailed anywhere but her as my breath hitched as I clenched clumps of my jeans.I bit down hot tears then I nodded grudedely"Yes,"I responded."Thalia acted strange."I then narrated how she behaved and what the teacher did but I left out the others.Then the hot tears melted into hot anger from Thalia's assault and shitty fathet.No wonder why Thalia ran away twice from her household.I glared at him ,face hot but he stood up straight with a smile ,a satisfied one.

I nodded and leaned back at my seat as both parents exchanged looks and nods with one another.Thalia's dad with still raised brows and a side glanced at me and a small smile which didn't reach her eyes that I caught.

She nodded."Thank you,"she began and cleared her throat."for hosting us and allowing us to ask."

Miss Harroway nodded and followed suit.She shook her head and waved her hands away in dismissal as if to say ,no problemo like a party host congratulating her honoured guests as I just gaped at the strange scene that unravelled before me with a cocked head.My lips parted but I shook the loose ,dark curls and fisted my moist jeans gaze away from the couple.

Miss Harroway grunted and cleared her throat as I snapped my gaze to her as if I was woken up from my reverie or a trance.I blinked and darted my eyes and smiled ,forced and weird as my eyes burgled slightly but all Thalia's mom did was sigh and watched me with her lips bit.

Miss Harroway jutted her head and gestured me to get up and as I did thoughts swarmed my head as I soon realised I wasn't done with whatever I had to say—

"Mr Williams I understand this might have been painful and hard to bare but you are dismissed.You could move to the library for further notice or even consult Miss Lim."My gaped mouth was instantly screwed shut when I heard the consulars name spoken out loud.The room thrummed with energy and my determination hang limp.Then she cleared her throat and moved her cold ,gaze to the rest."I know this might hurt but as parents of immigrant children ,losing your child is the worst pain,my condolences after much you had suffered to get here.My condolences you got just to get into Canada."

Both parents froze and stared at her wide eyed and stunned and all I did was gape like that loony ,green guy from The Mask movie.I was rendered speechless and I knew that our principal was as tough as nails and hated embarrassment or bad publicity and this was it.

Life suddenly returned back to Thalia's mom as her brown eyes darted ,full of hope and life.''Miss Lim ,you say?''she brightened and turned towards her and straightened her spine.

Miss Harroway nodded ,elbows pressed on the shiny surface of the desk, surprised by the grief stricken mom's strange revival.

Did Thalia ever speak about the school's psychologist?

She nodded again.

Her husband shoved her and gave her a hot fiery glare with narrowed eyes but when a flicker or life returned to her there was no backing down.

"Well yes."The principal went on."Thalia was an avid visitor to the consular.Would you care to visit her ?Maybe she might have answers."She suggested ,her thick lips pulled into a forced smile but her eyes twitched as she clenched her fist tight as if to say that her guests have overstayed their welcome.

All I did was gape as a deep rumble of disapproval vibrated from her dads large chest.''Of course.''She responded ,her voice tight.

I visibly winced when I felt the chill of her unwelcome tone and how much damage they caused as they loitered but I kept my mouth shut–or a crappy attempt too.It was like something was lodged deep in my throat and needed to out and if I didnt I would spew my guts out but I did.

I stood there expectantly as an idea formed in my head but Miss Harroways glare was icy and her eyes were as shiny as opals as she intertwined her fingers on the desk,her gaze hardened.

"Mr Williams,"she began ,her voice taut as both parents turned their gazes towards me as I stood in front of the door.Then she gestured with her head."I am sure your time is already up and you have a next class to attend too,right?"

I nodded,a lump formed on my throat but her eyes were like daggers all paused at me.I stepped forward regardless of her glasses and snorts of disapproval as she clenched her hands into fists on the table.

All I wondered was what ran through her head about all this drama.All the negative publicity aimed at her school or the family who is still dwelling here instead of going on their merry way.

Instead ,I held my ground and glued my feet as a smile ,more fake than ever then with a leap of faith ,I asked it—suggested it.

I stretched my hands forward and ran my gaze on all of them,"Um,"I began,"why don't ask our classmates instead for further enquiries so you could have a better idea."Then more confidence sprouted in me."Or better yet,you could ask her friends."Her glare was so icy that a lump formed on my throat.

"Friends,"he echoed in disbelief ,raking me up and down with a huff."My daughter has other friends apart from you?''He huffed.

"Well yes,"I replied tightly with a forced smile and clenched my fists to my sides."Yes ,Thalia had other friends."

Then he looked at Miss Harroway still not conniving as my gaze ,hot and unwavering, landed on her who looked furious with raised brows and pursed lips as she stared blankly at him."

She nodded in confirmation and a side glance at me as if it was talking to you later or better yet ,I'll deal with you later.

The principal continued saying both girls such as Sasha and her schegians and Hayely the recently expelled student who was found pregnant which seemed to hurt the principals reputation and then continued to respond about how she deals with rebellious students and students with all forms of physical and mental problems with the teachers help improve.

Mr Ohinwaa chuckled then harrumphed,"So this is a school for rebels and sick children."Anger ran through my veins when I heard that statement well because of him I was going through PTSD and a messed up mentality due to him and I also suffered with ADHD and Dyslexia.He grunted with fire disapproval as he sat back with a frown.

I knew how much a traditionalist he was but hey ,the words still stung.

The principal finally cracked like porcelain under pressure as her left eye twitched and her whole composure shattered.Her voice become crispy as she intertwined her fingers ,long ,cold and slender on the desk an arched brow and a tight lipped smile.Whenever she spoke ,she tapped her hands on its surface to show emphasis."This school was was established by my great ,great ,great grandfather to help the mentally challenged , disabled and reform kids to get get good ,accesbiable and holistic education and help them to become valuable and great members of society."She pushed then grinned."I do not care where you are from .but once you step into this enivioroment.You would respect me as I respect you and your daughter's disappearance is far more,far more important than your judgemental opinion ,is that clear?"

My heart swelled with pride strangely after miss Harroway supported each and everyone of us in this school ,gone was the views of the cold ,ice queen and now I saw the armour of a protective surprising hero as I watched her awestraick.Her smile and quick thinking as he stared hard at them both as if it was the wife's fault too for her husband's water faucet of a mouth.

Her mother only gaped at the woman equally surprised"Now,"her voice tensed and fingers interwoven again."Are we done or you have more to say?"

But he wasn't even offended, only flattered and his unbothered reaction ticked me off.He chuckled ,long and loud."So my daughter is friends with both mad and sick and school deluiqents ,how quaint?I should've never brought her here?"

She bared her teeth at him and pointed at him with a shaky ,long nail."Maybe you shouldn't have?If I had known what drama she would have caused I would have never allowed it and taken those words back ,those words are backward,derogatory and insulting."

I shuffled my feet with a gulp stuck at my throat but I took a deep breath and faced the very loud music."The cops?"I painfully suggested as the principal glared at me with gritted teeth as the muscles in her body went rigid and to her I was like nails on a chalkboard but her ;ips tugged but her cold ,eyes were like fire.I went taut and gulped as he sat back.

"Well,of course."She began,"after this the cops are waiting for you ,Nathenial. That is if you are ready"I nodded as she relaxed on her seat ,tired and realised a breathe.

A sad smile formed on Thalia's mom lips as she pulled out a file from the bag and spread it with shaky fingers and trembled breaths through her curtain of braids.

"My baby ,my artist and my creative one.I knew she drew but I didn't know what my baby was going through."She sniffled and flipped through one and fingered the dog eared pages fondly."If I personally communicated to her better ,she would have been honest with me.I am her mother."She choked ,her voice tight with emotion.

Miss Harroway sighed and tried to reassure her as Mr Ohinwaa watched with obvious disinterest and obvious disgust.

That diabolical piece of sh—

A soft gasp escaped my lips as I watched as my shoulders sagged.

Miss Harroway smiled ,a warm genuine one and brought out her hand and tried to reassure."Wherever your baby is ,hopefully in heaven that she knows her momma"--she glared and eyed her husband then turned to me with a condescending look then her again ,teeth out."That you are trying her best to find her."She sat back and continued."Yes ,Miss Lim ,our renowned therapist would help us and I would advise you to be frank with the cops and you to,Nathenial."

As if I can even say the truth.

A shudder went through my spine when I thought about how effed up her art really was and the only person who could deduce them at a surface level was the police —maybe the phycologist while their at it but I personally felt it was either Sasha or her peers who would better understanding or I thought we would because we were closer but instead she wore a mask and hid herself with a false persona and barrier of cold glass.

Miss Harroway nodded as the other adults got up and I smiled and opened the door as the door closed and the others filed out.Miss Harroway smiled but her eyes were hard then she gestured for me to sit then I sat.

"I was very disappointed in you ,Nate."She started, then took some files and arranged them.She played with them ,her face set."I didn't like your behaviour as you can see if they started here and asked further questions but right now they are with Miss Lim which I allow but other parents need consent for their kids."She intertwined her fingers and looked at me as if I was nine not fourteen but her glare made me nod."As you can see if you can ,that it is a very difficult time here for us and my school so please be on your best behaviour since cameras and hurt is evertywhere.Now I want you head out to visit the cops."

So I did ,I rose up quietly ,heart heavy and closed the door behind me but something strange went on.I walked passed the locker to the room she suggested but I had to admit as I went to the library something else stopped me on my tracks as cold air dispersed all around like a hot jerk on my jaw then I saw outstretched in front of me as my fingers hovered on the cold ,gold knob of the door .My blood ran cold in my vein as an alarm flashed in my mind.

Run.

I bolted away.

My sneakers squished on te white marble tiles of the stairs as I bolted—practically flung myself up the stairs with hands on the cold barristers.Air was practically forced into my crammed airways as my heart hammered in my chest ,hard and fast like a jackhammer ,I ran minutes plunged ,not a sound on the floor as I streaked by only the sound of a teacher tutoring and zero footsteps and I am definitely alone but the world felt muffled yet distant.I blurred past quiet classrooms and homerooms of the second floor passed coloured lockers ,praying to anyone –whatever was out there before the monster got its curious claws on me.

I was seriously out of shape and my muscles burned but I couldn't stop.I can't stop.My face red as I broke out in cold sweat with hair plastered to my forehead.

I was in deep shit.

Right before ,Thalia's dad stood in front of the open car door before his wife with a flash of black fabric ,quickly sat in.He stared at me–no ,his crimson eyes bored into me like holes with canine teeth bared with a lopsided grin and familiar pointed ears.

I dug my own grave.

His lips stretched ,exposed his demonic essence.I was no believer of God or Angels but at this point I prayed to anything.My eyes widened as I spun on my heels from the front gate where I stood then bolted down the hallway ,deceased and unknown to anyone that there was a real life monster as I picked up speed and I knew regardless of what anyone believed in was now on my ass.It was alive and well in our school—our haven.

My sneakers slammed on the tiles as I ran up another hallway ,I was currently in.It was quiet without any lockers—strange.

I had to be high but I was not.I darted ,feet flying as I scouted for a place to hide from the lion ,ready to pursue.

Shit.

Bulletin boards flashed and laughter dissolved as I reached the double doors of the cafeteria on the second floor.Harsh breathing ,shrill laughter and soft footsteps echoed but no matter how much it gurgled loudly ,I knew with one glance.I was doomed.I threw the creme doucble doors open.Nerves higher than a mountain.

The cafeteria was a wide and spacious room but now at this moment ,it seemed neverending ,where I had eaten here since I started this school since seventh grade.Now this place no matter how huge it was it was now claustrophobic–too small, small ,nowhere to hide.

I felt like a rat hiding from the claws and teeth of a lion.I darted my eyes ,left and right felt jittery.Wild.Crazy.

Have to hide.

Now!

I scouted around ,over kilometres ahead was the long awaited monster and I was the kitten.

If they heard the commotion ,surely the lunch ladies would care,right ?I scouted and hid under one of the many circular tables of the lunch room and pushed my knees to my chest and swallowed my voice and levelled my breath.

The door swung open.My breathe hitched as my skin turned red and loud footsteps pounded on the floor and a whip swung around.As a loud familiar voice vibrates in my skull as its laughter echoed like pins and needles in the depths of my head and pulsed in like a heart.The world blurred then sharpened.

Nate.

My breath was locked in my throat but I didn't falter.He was the hunter ,seasoned one of that and I was the prey.

"Nataniel."he cooed,as if to rouse me from my hiding place.Then his cackle echoed throughout the room still unknown to the lunch ladies who were engross with their cooking enough to care.It was loud and shrill,"come out ,come out wherever you are."He chuckled again ,loud and shrill to my ears.I could picture him ,pacing around with nose in the air as he tried to track me down and rubbing his palms together.His long shadow fell on me as I gulped and held myself tighter.

"I know you are here."He went on."You can't hide from me.We know how this game goes and I will find you.Now my sweet ,where are you ?I never saw you as the shy type knowing how close you are with my daughter."His voice was shrill and tightening as loud screeching echoed as the seats jerked backwards b with laughter .Slowly ,with trembling hands I clamped my clammy fingers to my mouth scared.

A loud vibrating growl ,anialistic echoed from his broad chest as he stalked the area near me like the ring of a bullseye.A lump formed on my throat.

"Nate."He touted.

My body trembled as things rose and rotated as shadows danced and the wind whirled and temperature plummeted till I froze and body consulved.

"Stop,"I screamed.Chairs rolled with loud chatter.Then he paused ,things just froze like on pause then sniffed.Tears trickled down my face as I shook in fear.The chairs rattled then shattered like glass but it was still in shape.His eyes raked the rest of the ransanked eatery with a feral grin.

"Go to hell!"I screamed ,then with a loud bang.

The chair next to me lurched and ruby eyes stared at me with a broad grin."Gotcha."The chair scratched half up and half down as a scream locked in my throat and as if grabbed ,I was jerked forward with body flies and body froze.My screams were muffled as I was rose into the air when broad and muscular arms rose me up and my feet partially damaged with the familiar red glint and caine smile.With a growl of approval ,all I did was gawp like a dumb thing.

"I have lived for longer than you have ,boy."His eyes were wide and minimal as his lips stretched with diabolical laughter.

I lurched in my seat,"Ew ,that means you're a freaking paedophile."

He continued to laugh, he stood up and gesture wildly all around."how?"

"A husband must control his wife with his hand."

I spluttered."You don't own them,not your wife or your kids."

"I do own them.Their bodies are mine and I deserve what I do with them."

Nausea climbed up my throat as I stared at him ,skin paper white as I raked him stuck in my seat with disgust.

"You're disgusting.Do you know how much pain you've hurt Thalia."My disgust became anger ,I clenched and unclenched my fist and my jaw tensed."No wonder why Thalia ran away.If I was her.I would have left and never come back."

She should have ran away a lot sooner if I was her.Now I knew why Thalia kept her mouth shut because she knew how vile and violent towards her father to even take he was right with his backward thinking and believing that beating the living shit of a minor was a good thing.

Sicko.

His lips pulled back into a snarl and his eyes lit up with raw flames.His body tensed as he clenched and unclenched his fist.

"You,"he began,then I shot up my seat, mh body as lifeless as a skinned rug then my throat contracted in my throat as the world blurred ,sweat beaded my brow as black blobs danced on my vision.I couldn't feel my fingers.

This was it,I thought, I was going to die finally at the school's cafeteria at fourteen.

Then life returned to my fingers.

"You rude and insolent boy.How dare you disrespect your elders.I don't understand why you simply don't get it.I own them."

I croaked the words out with dry throat and weak body."You don't get it.I am not surprised.You're a sexist man trapped in the eighteenth century.When you're ready come back to modernity."I yelled.

I was lurched back onto the seat ,pain travelled up my spine as I bit my lip to stop the pain.

"Boy,"he pointed out,livid.Then my legs dangled as I floated up then I with two powerful invisible slaps ,my face went left and right as pain caused my veins.Two red hot slaps as I skidded on the cold tiles like ice on a summer day but I just couldn't register it as I choked on saliva.I gurgled on the floor.

But the torture that had began was still never ending.

"If only you lived as old as me then you'd understand."he thrilled.

I rose myself to my elbows,my body bruised all over and a fresh nose of blood trickled down my nose and stared at him after I blinked ,the world still blurry."Well,"I began ,spat a bloody wad."hopefully if I lived as old as you.I won't become you."Praying that he stopped beating the ever living shit on me.

His shadow loomed and stretched in front of me with talons and sharp teeth.Now I missed him off but he smiled then like an elastic string ,he retracted back into his human form with a flicker of shadow and ruby.

Before.

I practically wailed like a baby from the comfort from under the table as a lump formed on my throat.My eyes darted my eyes.

"Now ,let's chat from man to man."He paused then laughed."or from man to boy,isn't it far better."

I kicked my legs from under the table.With a huge force ,he yanked me under my haven and slammed me onto the desk and then as if the chair grew a brain ,it shot from it then locked me in.

My body went taut as the monster,bald and sweaty pulled up a seat with clawed fingers.

"Oh,a chair for me ?"He mused with that smirkThat mocking smirk.My body was iron ,chained and pressed onto the table as the pressure pressed me harder.

I couldn't breathe.

His laughter chilled my spine as the loud screeching continued as he sat on the chair then he stared directly at me.He adjusted his black trench coat ,eyed the cafeteria with a suspicious glance then intertwined his fingers together.He played with his collar.

He was proud of himself.

With a heavy sigh ,he snapped his fingers then everything --the ransanking went back to normal like the tornado of flying chairs and rolling chairs didn't happen.

Squeaky clean.Spotless.Untainted.

And yet the lunch ladies did their thing and never said a thing or a peek.

They weren't paid enough for that shit.

I blinked and blinked again as the bounds became too loose and I began to feel my limbs twitched and the numbness of my toes left.My eyes swivelled but I still couldn't force them into my lungs as if a metal block was pressed on my chest.