• Chapter Two

    tab I examined Calvin's dead, limp body after the others left. Policemen were there with me. I was only allowed to stay because Calvin's death wasn't the first death that has happened around me. Two years ago, Aaron, my boyfriend, was murdered. And the year before that, my mother and father were killed. It's not a lie. It's all true. No matter how much I wish it weren't true, it still is and I cannot change that fact.

    tab I stared hard at Calvin. He was pale. Of course he was. Silently as I stood, tears trickled their way down the side of my eyes and a soft sob was built in the center of my chest. A kind gesturing hand was placed on my right arm. I quickly wiped the tears away and turned around to look at Officer Mark. Officer Mark was my father's dearest friend. And now, he was my dearest reletive.

    tab "Hey," he said cautiously. "How you holding up?" I shook my head. I didn't answer him. He knew I wasn't okay. "Do you want to stay here? In the room, I mean." I nodded.

    tab "I can't just leave Calvin here by himself," I said.

    tab "He's not alone, Luna." He gave me an exasperated look and I knew his serious voice was coming. "Luna, don't think that this is your fault. You don't need to suffer to be here. I know how you are. In fact, I've known you for almost all of your 15 years. If something happens, you think you have to feel pain in order to take pain away from others. That includes dead people!" I winced at the words 'dead people' and so did Officer Mark. "What I mean is that I also know that you standing here and seeing a dead friend brings you hardship and pain at the memories you had. You do not, I repeat, do not need to hurt more."

    tab After he finished, his worry filled expression made me cry more. I heard sobbng and only realized it was coming from me because he hugged me awkwardly. "It's going to be okay," he whispered. I nodded and could only cry more.

    tab At the jolt of light flashing from the evidence camera, flashbacks clouded my mind. . .

    Mother and Father and I at the park. Me on the purple swings, swinging back and forth and laughing along with daddy. Mommy pushed me and daddy took pictures. The sun was shining brightly and the clouds made funny shaped animals. Everyone was having a fun time and everyone was happy. My hair moved swiftly from side to side in the cool wind that brought the breeze. Then, boom! A sudden noise took down daddy. Mommy and I rushed to him. Mommy cried out in horror. I didn't know what to do. I was only a little girl. I stood beside mommy, doing nothing. Tears rolled down my cheeks but I was frozen. Another boom. Mommy, who was hugging and screaming for daddy a moment ago, now joined daddy in his bloody slumber. I looked around the park at all the other mother's and father's. They had scooped up their children and ran in all directions. One last thing I heard mommy say was to go away.

    tab "Run baby," said mommy. "Luna, go!"

    tab I did like mommy told me to. I ran and I ran until I was out of the park with other families. Lastly, I heard another boom. I looked behind me. By mommy and daddy, there was a man. He pointed something at them. I cried but stayed still, where I was. The man looked at me and smiled wickedly. I cringed and fell on the ground. The man turned and started running. When he ran past the white picket fence, I ran to mommy and daddy. I cried out their names, but they didn't answer. I shook them, but no one opened their eyes. . .

    ACADEMY NOTE. . .


    tab "Thanks," I told Mark, who had sent me to my dorm. He left and I stood against the door. Slowly, my knees sank and I ended up on the kneeling on the floor. First, mom and dad. Then, Aaron. Now, Calvin. Basically anyone who involved their lives with mine. Mom and dad were my parents, Aaron was my boyfriend, and Calvin was my best friend. My thought raged on and on about who was close to me. However, was quickly interrupted by the knocking of wood on my door.

    tab "Mail delivery for Miss Van H'Allen," said Mailman Jeff. I stood up and opened the door for him. He handed me my mail contentedly. I thanked him and closed the door as I headed for my couch and the maple wood table in front of it. Neatly, I sorted through the thin pile of envelopes. I stopped and pulled out a clear pale envelope with my name written on it in small black letters: LUNA

    tab The contents inside were what surprised me the most. This letter was written from Calvin!

    tab Luna,
    It's Calvin. I don't know if I'll be around for when you get this. But, I want you to know that 'he' spoke to me. I don't know how he got my number but he did. He called me last night. He said that I made you invisible for two years and that he was done waiting. He said he would come for me. Then, you were next. I told him he wouldn't ever get to you. He insisted that I challenge him. Then he hung up. I don't know what will happen next, but I want you to know that you need to be careful. Watch your back. I might not be able to. . .
    Calvin


    tab I stared at the letter in wonder and for the hundredth time, I panicked and closed my eyes in frustration as I tried my hardest to think of what the killer might want from me. . .