The parking lot was empty, aside from Brad and a few of his football friends. They were talking as usual, about the upcoming game, about girls, even trash talking people behind their backs. Those kinds of conversations happened so often, Brad barely paid attention anymore. In fact, he was more focused on the news they received that morning. Two deaths in the same day, yet from different causes. Something was up, yet none of his friends seemed to care.
A few of them took out their phones. And then a few more, until Brad was the only one left without one. He leaned closer to his friend, eager to get a look.
It was an anonymous text, sent to everyone. And a list of suspects.
Though his face was stoic, Brad felt a chill run down his spine. Of course someone like Alissa would have a lot of people who hate her. But to actually go as far to kill her? He looked at his friend’s faces for their reactions, but they laughed it off. They began to make insensitive jokes, even read the text out loud in dramatic voices.
Brad laughed shallowly along with them. But he felt uneasy deep down. Were they taking murders so lightly? He couldn’t help but wonder maybe he was in the wrong.
He wasn’t sure what to say. If they saw his hesitation, they’d immediately judge him. He didn’t want to stand out. But how could he possibly joke at a time like that?
“Crap, dude, I just remembered something,” he interrupted. “I forgot my bag at the gym, I’ll be right back!” And with that, he turned around.
“Brad! You’re holding your—” his friend sighed. “And there he goes…”
Distant laughter could be heard as he quickly paced away from the group. At that point, the sound of it made him sick. He kept his head low, making his way to the school. Brad stopped by the side entrance, leaning against the wall. Looking from side to side, he had to make sure nobody followed him.
He sighed, unsure of what to do. Go to class? Absolutely not.
And just at the right moment, Josh approached him. The friendly dude with the guitar, a breath of fresh air compared to his usual friends.
“Music man! Sup bro?” he put his hand up for a high five. He had to stay calm. Don’t show that the texts affected him. They didn’t matter. “Are you really that worried about skipping class?” he laughed.
@Tiina - Joshua Fujita
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Sorry for the late reply
But since I’m free, I’m gonna be more active now!
