Life Within The Halls

Chapter 15: "AnonymousX"

LIFE WITHIN THE HALLS

Gideon

Friday, 13th February, 8:20 a.m.

"Our top story this morning is the arrest of a young teacher at Hill Academy, accused of possessing and possibly distributing an explicit video of the late Hannah Bentley," the news anchor's voice filled the car as I rode in the backseat on my way to school. "The accused, Mr. Bennett, is also facing charges in connection with Hannah's death..."

Guilt weighed heavily on me as I listened to the news. If only time could rewind, I wouldn't have made that phone call about Mr. Bennett's arrest. I had been wrong all along. Victoria had been right in her stance; Mr. Bennett was innocent. He had indeed been framed. The research I did last night and what Daniel had told me proved it—he was set up.

"Bruh, we're here," Jasper informed me with a blow through his hand, catching my attention in the rearview mirror.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and squeezed his shoulder before opening the door to step out. "See you later, bro," I said with a smile. "Hit the books for me, okay?" He was in fifth grade at one of Bel-Air's supposedly best elementary schools — my old stomping grounds, actually.

As the car drove away, I hurried into the entrance, eager to get to the prefects' room. I needed to inform Victoria, Jayden, and Sandra about what I had uncovered the previous night regarding everything that was happening.

In the first-floor hallway, members of the School Magazine Society were busy sharing red-designed flyers with students. One of the flyers fluttered to the floor at my feet, and I read its contents.

"Who's in for Valentine's Day celebrations tomorrow? Meet us at Ship House at 7:00 pm and let's party!"

Did I read it right? A night party? It had been two years since the last one. Only God knew what the SMS had told the authorities to get approval for a night party in the school, amidst Hannah's death.

I moved past the flyer without picking it up. Nighttime parties weren't my thing after what had happened two years ago. I didn't care if they were making a comeback... they would only bring back memories of that night.

On my way to the prefects' room, I remembered that Daniel was keeping a low profile in my room, and I had asked him not to come to school. So, I had to find a way to sign him in for the afternoon attendance to prevent anyone from checking up on him in his dormitory room or calling his parents.

I looked around to find any of our classmates, and being extremely unlucky, Ella Anderson was the only one my eyes landed on. She was proceeding to the washroom, walking with a noticeable limp. She had a bandage on her right leg, yet she seemed to be in a rush. I had no option but to follow her. The way she glanced over her shoulder to check if someone was watching her only made me more curious. She was clearly up to something.

She entered the female washroom and began a heated conversation with another girl inside. I couldn't hear their exact words, as they weren't speaking loudly, and I was outside, leaning against the wall with my ears perked up. After minutes of wasting time without hearing anything, I decided to go in. I needed to hear what their heated conversation was about and with whom. I didn't care if they saw me.

In front of me were Ella and Chloe Wilson, both facing each other. They noticed my presence and stopped talking. Unfortunately for me, the only clear statement I heard was from Chloe: "It's too late."

Too late for what?

"What are you doing 'ere, nerdy?" Ella asked with a smirk in her British accent. "You've got a crackin' mind, but it seems you've gone and forgotten this is the ladies' loo, not the gents'!"