You're Mine

Chapter Six: The Killer?

         A week has passed since the incident on Halloween night. The school held a memorial gathering for her at the school parking lot. People brought flowers, gifts, and some released balloons for Kayla. While people were mourning, police were mixed into the crowd watching everyone around them. At her funeral, many classmates came forth to share memories and speeches about how great and inspiring she was. Her parents thanked everyone for coming and joining them today. It was clear how lost they were, and there were rumors that they started the petition to sue the school. To try and help their case, the school hired more security and got a new camera system. The police continued conducting their interviews and our councilors continued working around the clock. My life stayed mostly the same except for the fact that my brother has been staying with me, and my friends haven't left my side.

         I run a hand through my hair as I sit outside with my morning tea. School starts back tomorrow and everyone keeps me if I'm okay. I appreciate their concern, but they're making me feel trapped. I sigh as I look out at the sunrise. Alister and I have been doing our research and investigation. So far, I have no clue who could know my secret. That's the only thing that worries me. I just want this whole thing behind me. I jump as I feel someone wrap a blanket around me. I turn to see it's my brother.

         "You're going to get sick being out here with nothing warm," He tells me before lighting a cigarette.

          "So I've been told," I say as I wrap the blanket around me. "Those things will you kill. Besides, I thought you quit?" I ask him. 

         "I only smoke when I'm stressed." He lets out a small puff of smoke. 

"When are you not stressed?" I ask before taking a sip of tea.

         "Good point," He tells me as he sits beside me.

         "Hey, Alister?" I ask as I fiddle with my cup.

         "Yes, Cassandra?" He says back in a questioning tone.

         "I'm sorry," I pause. "I'm sorry for going off on you the other day. I'm sorry for being a brat, and I'm sorry for just not understanding." I tell him. This past week has made me realize just how much I've missed him.

         "Don't be," He tells me. "You may have been a brat, but I've been a shit brother. So, I guess I'm sorry too." He ruffles my hair.

          "You haven't been that bad," I say as I nudge him with my shoulder.

           "I just don't see you or talk to you anymore. We're all each other has, and we've turned into strangers."

          "I know, I've been busy with work, and you've been busy with school is what I tell myself," He says before taking another drag.

          "I'll believe the lie if you promise we'll change it," I say as I lay my head on his shoulder. "One sad day a year isn't going to cut it anymore."

         "I can start taking holidays off, erm, some holidays off. We can get together during those," He offers with a small rare smile.

          "Sounds like a plan to me," I say with a small smile. "Speaking of taking off, when do you have to go back to your wife?"

          He chuckles lightly at my comment. "I have maybe another week or two. I can request more if this doesn't get solved."

          "I don't know if you can handle this mundane world that long," I joke. "But, I will miss you when you leave."

          "I'm going to miss you too, shortcake," He says as he kisses the top of my head.

          "Haven't heard that in a while," I say with a small smile.

         "Well, it's a better nickname than Cas," He says with a grunt making both of us laugh a little. We stay like that awhile before heading out back inside. I prepare to head back to normal life and for once I look forward to going back to school.

         Monday rolls around and I find myself back in my math class. Due to everything that has happened, we're not working on midterms anymore. We still do a review to help our teacher see where we are at for the halfway point in the semester. The only problem is our class is smaller. Some students haven't come back yet, and others are trying to decide on leaving or not. You can see the teachers are on edge including Mr. Brown. His hair is unkempt and he's not in his usual suit. He's walking around helping students, but he seems distracted. He's not going deep in details or joking with us like he normally does. We soon learn why when the police walk into the room.

         "Anthony Brown, we're going to need you to come with us," One of the police officers says while his partner blocks the door.

         He sighs and nods at them. "Class dismissed," He says as he leaves with the officers. The look of regret clearly showing on his face.