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DESPITE BEING BEHIND ON her schoolwork, Julia had continued to take notes over what she could write next for the paper. Although her grades meant much to her, she couldn't help but keep her focus on the killings that are happening in her small town. Though she hates to admit it, she found it rather exciting.
As the girl distractedly took notes in her book, she couldn't help but notice her Vice- Principle entering the classroom, glancing around the room until he met her eyes. She watched as his stern expression had gleamed slightly at the young girl, and he quickly made his way up to her teacher, requesting to speak to the student.
Julia had watched all of his actions and expressions, immediately feeling uncomfortable with the man's presence. The way he would speak and approach her seemed anything but appropriate and when she tried to say something about it, it only made the environment worse and more uncomfortable for her.
The girl's eyes scanned the conversation between her teacher and vice principle, secretly hoping that the teacher had a surprise pop quiz, making her unavailable to the man. However, with a sweet smile and nod from her teacher, Julia's shoulders tensed as she heard her name leave his lips.
"Julia, follow me," He spoke quietly, smiling down at the girl as she gathered her things from her desk.
Julia had kept her eyes on the floor as she made her way up to the man, ignoring the fact that as soon as she had made it into the hallway, his hand was already placed on her lower back, guiding her to his office.
To her luck, it was a short walk.
"I must say, I am highly impressed with the work you have come up with in the newspaper," He praised her, pacing around his room as she listened intently.
"Thank you, sir."
"Oh, no need for the formality," He puffed out a laugh, laying his hand on her shoulder as he made his way to his leather chair, "I only asked you here to see if you have any more ideas for the newspaper?"
"Over the killings?"
"Well it's what you were assigned to write, wasn't it?" He answered her with a question, "You were able to find out what this murderer went by, didn't you?"
"I wouldn't consider taking credit for that." She responded honestly, knowing that the cops were the first ones to come out with it.
"As modest as ever," His smile grew, "I'm just making sure that you are safe. Digging into this stuff can be some rough and scary business," He nodded along to his words, "I want you to know you can come to me if there is any problem, understand? Or, if you simply would like some company."
"Of course," Julia faked a smile back.
"I'm glad we had this talk," He stood from his seat, giving out his hand to help Julia stand. The girl had briefly looked at it before pushing herself up without his help, watching it awkwardly land back against his side.
"Me too."
✴︎
THE LUNCH BELL RUNG THROUGH the school's hallways, leading students and teachers to flow out of their respected classrooms. Julia had gotten lost in the crowd as she made her way through the hall, hoping to find one of her friends as she did.
"Stu!" The girl gleamed, seeing the tall boy's head hover over the rest of the crowd. At hearing his name, Stu had turned around with a large grin on his face, immediately recognizing the voice.
"Short stuff!" He laughed out, stopping his movements immediately. The crowd of students trafficked around the boy as Julia walked up to him, grabbing his arm as he guided her to an open area. "Why the long face?"
Julia cocked her head at his question, already forgetting the meeting she had moments ago.
"Oh," She breathed out, "You know, the usual. Mr. Kennedy asked to see me in his office again."
"Again?" He questioned, "What, is that like the 5th time this week?"
"Fourth," She corrected, now walking back into the cleared out hallway, "And it's only Tuesday."
Stu exaggerated a gag at her words, almost falling to the floor as he did so, "You know what I should do?"
"Nothing?"
"Haha, boom, wrong," He shouted into the halls, causing an echo to display. Stu paced in front of the girl, spinning on his heels to face her as he began to walk backwards, "I'm thinking something more— exciting."
