A Wave Of Panic

As Annabelle walked across campus, she spotted Laura, the girl she’d sat next to yesterday. Laura caught her eye and waved, a big grin spreading across her face as she walked over.

“Hey, Annabelle!” Laura called out. “I was hoping I’d see you again today.”

Annabelle smiled, feeling glad to see a familiar face. “Yeah, I was a bit nervous I wouldn’t know anyone.”

Laura laughed. “Well, you know me now. Ready to tackle day two?”

“Absolutely,” Annabelle replied, feeling her nerves ease.

The two girls walked side by side toward their class. The campus was lively, with students everywhere, hurrying to their own destinations. The sun was warm on Annabelle’s face, and the energy around her made her feel like she belonged.

“So, what do you think of the campus?” Laura asked as they walked.

“It’s really nice,” Annabelle said, looking around. “It’s a lot bigger than my last school, so I’m still getting used to it.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you find your way around. By the end of the week, you’ll know all the best spots,” Laura promised.

They reached the classroom and found seats next to each other in the middle. As the professor started, Annabelle tried to focus, but her mind drifted back to the morning. She kept thinking about Riccardo, how he’d looked at her with that small, knowing smile. She shook her head, trying to snap back to the class.

Laura nudged her with her elbow, whispering, “Hey, you okay? You’re daydreaming again.”

Annabelle blinked, feeling a bit flustered. “Oh, yeah. Just…trying to stay focused.”

Laura grinned. “Thinking about someone special?”

Annabelle blushed, but quickly shook her head. “No, just…new school jitters.”

“Mhm, sure,” Laura teased, winking.

Annabelle laughed, grateful Laura didn’t press any further. The class flew by, and soon they were heading out together, blending into the crowd of students heading to lunch.

“So, hungry?” Laura asked, raising an eyebrow. “I know a spot in the cafeteria where it’s not too noisy.”

“Sounds good,” Annabelle agreed. Her stomach was already rumbling.

They joined the line at the cafeteria, grabbing trays and piling on sandwiches, chips, and drinks. Laura led them to a cozy corner by the window, away from the crowded tables.

“So, any big plans for today?” Laura asked, unwrapping her sandwich.

Annabelle shrugged. “Not really. I’m just trying to settle in, you know?”

Laura nodded. “Yeah, first days are always a bit weird. But hey, you’ve got me now! I’ll make sure you survive.”

Annabelle smiled, feeling more at ease than she’d felt in a while. “Thanks, Laura. You’re making this so much easier.”

They spent the rest of lunch sharing stories, laughing about silly things from high school, and talking about their favorite movies. Annabelle was surprised at how easy it was to talk to Laura, like they’d been friends for a long time.

After lunch, Laura checked her watch. “Hey, there’s a soccer game going on outside. Wanna go watch?”

“Sure, why not?” Annabelle replied, excited to experience more of the campus life.

They headed over to the sports field, joining the crowd of students gathered along the bleachers. The game had already started, and both teams were playing hard. The air buzzed with cheers and clapping, and Annabelle found herself caught up in the energy of the game.

“Go, team blue!” Laura shouted, her voice rising above the noise.

Annabelle laughed, cheering along with her. She watched the players move across the field, her eyes following the fast-paced action. The crowd’s excitement was contagious, and for a moment, she forgot everything else.

Then her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, seeing a message pop up.

Riccardo: Call me when you’re alone.

Her stomach twisted. Why was he texting her like this? His words sounded serious, even a bit…urgent.

Laura noticed her expression and gave her a curious look. “Everything okay?”

Annabelle slipped her phone back into her pocket, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just…something I need to check on later.”

Laura didn’t ask more, though her eyes lingered on Annabelle for a moment before turning back to the game. The rest of the match flew by, with both teams scoring back and forth until it ended in a tie.

“Wow, that was intense!” Laura said as they joined the crowd heading back toward campus.

“Yeah, it really was,” Annabelle replied, trying to shake off the unease Riccardo’s message had left.

They walked back together, chatting about the game. As they neared the library, Laura turned to Annabelle with a friendly smile.

“I’m going to study hall for a bit. Want to come along, or…?”

“Actually, I might step out for a second,” Annabelle replied, trying to keep her tone light. “I just have to take that call.”

Laura nodded. “Got it. I’ll see you later, then?”

“Definitely,” Annabelle said, giving her a quick wave. She watched Laura head inside before she took out her phone and dialed Riccardo’s number.

It rang once before he answered. “Annabelle,” he said, his voice steady but tense.

“Hi,” she said slowly, glancing around. “I got your message. Is…something wrong?”

There was a pause on the other end, and she could hear him exhale. “Where are you right now?” he asked, his tone sharper than usual.

“On campus, near the library,” she answered, feeling a wave of nervousness. “Why? Is something going on?”

“Listen to me carefully,” he said, his voice low and firm. “Stay where people can see you. Don’t go anywhere alone. Do you understand?”

Annabelle’s heart began to pound. “Riccardo, what’s happening?”

He was quiet for a moment, then said, “I can’t explain right now, but you need to stay safe. I’ll come to pick you up soon.”

“Wait...” she started, but the line went dead.

Annabelle stared at her phone, a chill running down her spine. She looked around, seeing students laughing and talking as they passed, completely unaware of the tension running through her.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to stay close to the library where it was crowded, just as Riccardo had said. Her mind raced with questions, but none of them had answers.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw something, a tall figure in a dark jacket standing near a tree, watching her. Her pulse spiked, and she felt an urge to move away, but her feet wouldn’t budge.

The man’s gaze stayed fixed on her, unblinking. He took a step forward, his expression unreadable, and Annabelle’s heart pounded harder. She glanced around, realizing the crowd was thinning as students moved indoors.

Just as she turned to walk back toward the library, the man quickened his pace, heading straight for her.

“Annabelle!” a familiar voice called from across the courtyard. She whipped her head around, relief flooding through her as she saw Riccardo approaching, his face set with determination.

But before she could move toward him, she felt a firm grip on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks.

“Come with me,” a cold voice said in her ear, and she felt a wave of panic wash over her.