I altered my daily schedule just to catch a glimpse of him. However, what surprised me even more was his sudden absence from the school.
He took a leave in search of a specific Library renowned as the Great Bookhouse Of Merry.
Well, after the class, we were in the cafeteria, Vincent hurriedly approached our table. He pulled out a chair and joined us, locking eyes with Willow.
"I know that what I did to you was unforgivable, and believe me when I say this, I have not experienced a single peaceful night since then," he confessed, closing his eyes in shame.
"I am not asking you to start over with me, nor is it because you have suddenly changed!
It's because of my conscience, I thought that I'll get over it but... I can't not anymore!" He rose from his seat, dragging the chair along as he knelt down with his hands clasped together.
"I swear on my life I would never repeat that mistake, please... forgive me!" He pleaded.
Willow stood up, trembling. "What are you doing?" She grasped his hands and helped him stand back up. "Everyone is watching!" She whispered.
"I don't care, all I know is that I won't leave without your forgiveness!" He genuinely felt ashamed for his actions.
"Listen to me, Vincent, it's not easy for me to forget everything.
But since you stood up for my bestie twice, I will forgive you!" She smiled.
"Really?" He questioned.
She nodded. "But if you ever mess up again, I swear I will make you regret it even more this time!" She stared at him.
He smiled. "I promise it won't come to that!" He assured.
This time, she allowed him to join us. "Can you tell me why the police were here this morning?" Christine inquired.
"What? The police? Here?" I took a sip from my cup of slurpee.
"Yes, it was about that day. They were looking for you. Thank you for reminding me.
Sheriff Newton went to your house in the morning, but it was locked, so he came here.
However, Mrs. Nelly said it wouldn't be good if students saw you with him in front of the school.
So he instructed her to tell you to go to the police station, as it was important for him to speak with Mrs. Fernandez, and since she's not here, he'll have to talk to you." Vincent explained.
"I hope everything is alright!" Willow expressed.
"I can take you there, if that's alright!" Vincent offered.
I wasn't really sure about it, but I also wasn't sure about going to the police station alone either.
I glanced at Willow with questioning eyes, "What about my skateboard?" We made our way to the police station and that's where I met Sheriff Newton, he was sitting on his chair behind his desk.
What he said completely shocked me. "I know this is a lot to take in, especially for someone your age, but I have no other choice. We're afraid that the incident in the graveyard wasn't just a coincidence. We tested the crow and found the same toxin in its body as the one found in the other victims who died that day.
I'm afraid it was done intentionally, possibly to harm you or send you a message. It would be wise for you to not go out alone or stay home for a few days. Or, if you'd like, I can assign guards to protect you. Security is free for young people like you in this town," he offered. "In addition," he said, clearing his throat and approaching me, "We may need to test Mr. Fernandez's casket and his body. It's a matter of security, as the toxin could potentially harm more people if it's long-lasting." I stood up because of course, I was not happy with it.
But before I could respond, he held my shoulders and said, "Think about it, then decide what to do." He handed me a card then I left the station.
I realized Vincent was staring at me constantly, "Of course I am not considering this!" I exclaimed.
He nodded in understanding. "Do you want a ride back home?" he asked. I agreed with a nod, saying "Okay!"
Upon returning home, I immediately noticed the absence of Mr. Darkwood's car.
Curiosity filled me, I couldn't help but wonder where he had gone. I must admit, I was starting to... miss him...
Anyway, I proceeded to enter my home and spend another night with my friends who had specially decided to stay with me, knowing that I was not used to living alone.
The night proved to be quite restless, but things took a turn for the weirder when all three of us found ourselves unable to sleep.
Despite our efforts to find comfort, tossing and turning in our beds, the heat became unbearable.
"I think it's too hot here, I'll sleep on the floor!" I exclaimed, grabbing my pillow and making myself comfortable on the ground.
"I did notice that your room is hotter than the rest of the house, how do you live in here?" Christine pointed out and I realized she is right.
"I don't know, besides, you should check out my granny's bathroom, it feels like it has a personal hell of itself!" I chuckled.
Christine, concerned, asked if I would be comfortable down there. "Of course! I've slept here before!" I reassured her. Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, a knock on the floor, right where my ear was, jolted me awake.
Startled, I realized that Willow and Christine were already fast asleep. The knock came again, and I couldn't help but bring my face closer to the floor, whispering to myself,
"No, I refuse to fall for this. I am not some foolish character from a horror movie who would blindly follow a suspicious sound." With that, I turned to my other side, choosing to ignore it.
Switching on my phone, I glanced at my sleeping friends once more before opening Mr. Darkwood's profile.
I wanted to see if he was active online, but the last photo posted was from nearly a month ago - the same photo that had turned me on the other night.