Maeve's one fleeting high

8. Who's the killer?

''Pass me the butter, please.'' I was in the kitchen making Madd my promised grilled cheese. She was skipping toward me with the butter and tended her phone again sitting on the counter next to the stove. 

''So Lisa told Layla she didn't go out with him because he reminded her of her brother?'' I look up in fake anticipation. She nodded her head steadily and continued her story on why Lisa doesn't date the most popular boy in school or whatever. 

I honestly wasn't fixated on it. I kept thinking why Madeline would send me the messages and cryptic ones at that. If it was undoubtedly correlated with the murder case, then that makes this a gigantic deal. Plus, she'll be an official person involved in it. I just don't know if I should ask her about this without consulting the group first or with. I'm honestly torn. 

I absentmindedly nod at her words when I think is appropriate while I keep an eye on the grilling bread. Once the food is done, I serve it on two plates and put them on the dinner table in the living room. 

Mom and dad were long gone as expected. They never waste their Saturday mornings by sleeping in. This time they were gone visiting my aunt and took Gio with them. Kai was probably still sleeping or already gone. I don't know to be honest. So it's just us. At least downstairs. 

As I was gobbling down the grilled cheese in silence, I decided to ask her the question despite the group's unawareness. I'd rather give her a chance to explain it to me in private without an audience goggling along. Above that, she seems a bit more calm so she might answer my question without objection. 

I wash my food down with tea and gather the last courage I require to pop the question. ''Madd, can I tell you something?'' 

She averted her eyes from the table to me. ''Yes, I guess.''

''Lately, I've been receiving text messages,'' I start. I maintain eye contact to size up any emotions. She stopped chewing now and put down her food. 

She clears her throat. ''Oh yeah? Me too. From friends mostly.'' Her face gradually reddening makes it too obvious she knows exactly what I'm referring to. 

''Cool... But mine are not messages you'd get from friends. Or anyone you'd know,'' I drawl. She decides the wall is more interested to look at and starts fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. 

''Madeline, it's you that's been sending me those. I know,'' I softly say. Her breathing levels up in paste and I can feel her discomfort. 

''This was not how it was supposed to go,'' I hear her whisper, fear radiating from her eyes. 

''Then tell me, what was I supposed to do with them? Madd, can you look at me?'' She hesitantly locks eyes and remains like this until I break the silence again. ''Can you understand why I need to know what you mean by those messages? I have an inkling it's crucial for me to understand the underlying message,'' I proceed, resting my hand on hers. She squeezes her eyes shut and breathes in and out a couple of times. 

''I know who murdered Lemon's brother,'' she whispers before clamping her mouth. She starts tearing up while I remain frozen in my spot. Even though my mind processed her words, my body refuses to move. Our assumptions were all correct. But I can't grasp the fact my sister, out of everyone, is behind all of this. A thousands questions are fired by my brain but only one question carries most priority. Who is it? 

''Madd, are you 100% certain you know who did it?'' She firmly nods her head and wipes away her tears. I bury my head in my hands and try to remain calm and collected. I can't scare her away by being frantic. 

''Okay,''—I quaveringly push my hair back and lean in—''can you tell me who it is?'' I beg her with my eyes and mouth a 'please' behind it. 

''I'm scared,'' she replies in a whisper. She pulls up her legs and rests her chin on her knees. ''I've kept it a secret for a while because I can't muster the courage to tell anyone.''