Veronica throws open my bedroom curtains and then comes to sit on the bottom of my bed next to Zekey where he is curled up. "Libby... It's been a week. You haven't gone back to school since your first day...
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Do you not like the school? Did something happen that caused you not to want to go back?" She asks me.
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"You wouldn't understand," Libby responds bitterly as she pulls the blankets up further to hide under. "Libby..." She trails off.
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She's always been the more understanding, but 'challenging' one compared to Mitchell. She usually parents me and Mitchel prefers to take a step back. He's more the 'fun parent' in a sense even though we aren't related.
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"Libby, are you listening to me?!" She shouts all of a sudden, getting a little stricter.
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"You didn't have to yell!" I whine to her. Her face softens. "I'm sorry Libby, but you weren't listening. I haven't been able to go to work because I have had to stay at home and look after you.
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Only one of us is earning a paycheck. It's something, but it doesn't look good that I have started a brand-new job and haven't even gone in."
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"Then leave me here and go in," I tell her not.
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"Hey! You know I can't do that, Libby." She says back to me. I don't respond and just cross my arms. "Libby, why don't you get up and have a shower? It might make you feel better.
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You haven't really left this bed at all. Just slept..." She says. "Fine!" I yell slightly as I sit up and she folds back the covers, helping me to stand
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---
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I sigh as I step out into the kitchen. My bag is resting on one of the adjacent chairs and Zekey is on the floor eating a portion of dog food out of his pet food bowl. Veronica turns around a plate of food down for me.
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I take a seat and push it away from me.
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"No thank you, Veronica. I hate vegetarian food and so does Mitchell."
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"Libby..." She says, taking a seat of her own. "You need to eat, and vegetarian meals can be yummy.
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You haven't eaten much, barely moved and today was the first time really that I had gotten you to even consider showering. What's go on? You can tell me." She says, giving me a hug.
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I pull it away.
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"Libby... Eat your food, please. Gwen came around to see you before in her car. You we're asleep then.
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She is coming back to pick you up and take you to school later. I told her that I would wake you, give it another go.
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You should be glad that someone wants to be your friend."
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"Fine." I grumble, giving in and eating. She hands me my backpack. "You aren't taking Zekey, today." She tells me.
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"Why not?!" I snap.
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"Libby, because pets don't belong in schools... They weren't happy about it."
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"He's not just a pet! He's my friend too!" I yell at her.
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"Alright, alright! I'm sorry... You're right. " She says softly. After that, she takes Zekey outside into the backyard so he can run around.
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I make my way to the front door as Veronica follows me out, on her phone.
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"Yeah, I'm leaving now, Julia. I just had to get Libby off to school, I'm come see you..." Veronica whispers for some reason as she heads to the car. Mitchell must have walked or got the bus to work.
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He was long gone before I woke up this morning. I turn my head, looking up at the house next to us, something having caught my eye. There is two people my age, a boy and a girl standing inside the window on the 2nd floor of the house next door, then they close it quickly.
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They keep spying on us...
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A car horn honks and a voice shouts at me. "Libby Biscuit, get your ass over here.", It's Gwen waiting in her car just a little up from my house. Well, she's in a snappy mood again.
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"Goodbye, Libby. Have a good 2nd day at school..." Veronica trails off, kissing me on the head while still on her phone and Gwen starts the engine, us pulling away from the address.
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"Yes, Julia. I'm coming to the social services off now to see you and Mitchell. Libby's with Gwen, headed to school. I did what you asked."
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When we're a short distance away, Gwen starts to smile a little. I hear her phone ring, it's mounted to something on the windscreen. She taps the answer button. It's Maple who I now to be her sister.
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"Hey, Maple," Gwen says.
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"Hey, Gwen. Where did you go? You left school premises without word. We have a meeting starting soon. Do... you want me to run it?"
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"I'm picking up Libby Biscuit... Just try and delay things, I'll be back there soon, I promise."
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"Okay."
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And then the call ends. "Meeting?" I ask, turning to Gwen.
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"Uh, I'm actually the student council president..."
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"Oh, neat."
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"I guess..."
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When we arrive at school, she tells me to get it at the front gates as she needs to find somewhere to park. I feel like everyone is staring at me as I walk into the school, everyone seems to be on recess and I hear slight footsteps behind me.
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The boy and girl who live next door are behind me, just riding in on bicycles.
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"You're late just like me." I speak up and I see the girl flinch. She almost falls off her bike, but her brother reaches a hand out, steadying her.
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I shake my head and turn back around to continue walking. As I hear them park their bikes up, I feel weirdly more aware of my surroundings suddenly.
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Missing posters all over the school for Becky Winters who I look a-lot like are fairly everywhere. How did I not see them before about a week ago...? I feel myself start to spin and collapse, leaning back against a brick wall.
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I squeeze my eyes shut, then open them a second later. The whispers around me soon turn to sniggers as people walk away. I cough, trying to catch my breath.
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It feels like my chest is aching... and it feels like I can't quite breathe. Is this a panic attack?
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Eventually, I'm able to breathe normally again which I'm relieved by, but I also hear a scraping sound along the pavement and look up as I recover from my panic attack. A boy who I haven't met before is standing there, picking up my shoulder bag for me.
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"Do you need help?" He offers, his smile looking warm, but something feels off about him. I can't quite put my finger on it though...
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I nod slowly and accept. I let out a yelp as he pulls me forward, quiet close to him. "Are you okay?" He asks, looking around. "Yeah..." I trail off.
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"Don't lie. I can tell when someone is lying." He says walking over to where some of the missing posters are, yanking one down and bringing it over to me. He holds it next to my face. "Uh, what are you doing?!" I ask. He shrugs and lets it fall to the ground.
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"The eyes aren't the same."
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"I'm sorry?!" I ask confused.
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"What's your name?" He responds back.
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"L-Libby Biscuit..." I tell him.
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"That's pretty. So much prettier than 'Becky Winters'. You're cute looking, Biscuit. You have a nice ass too."
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I'm speechless, I don't even know how to respond to do that.
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"I'm Aiden Mercy, hi."
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"Hi, Aiden," I tell him. He laughs a little.
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"You're so adorable!" He says leaning down and ruffling my hair. "I have a sister, but she's only 7 years old. She has the same first name as you, Libby."
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"T-thank you! I think? I have no brothers or sister's. I live with my friends though, they're like brother and sister to me I guess?" I respond back, shaking him off a little. "So... Is there anything I can do for you?" He asks me. "Anything you want to know...?"
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"No. Wait! M-maybe?"
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"Shoot. Go right on ahead, Libby." He says sitting down on the cement in front of me. I take a seat too.
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"This girl... Becky Winters. Who is she? I-I don't understand... Everyone is staring at me; this isn't my fault!
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Is there anything I need to know right now that I don't know already? Also, who is the blonde boy and girl walking around, following me? They live next door to me."
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"Becky. Well, popular as she was the previous student council president before she went missing. She's intelligent, academically gifted, exceptional beauty and she has a dark side.
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I'd call the life of a party for sure. Everyone secretly envies her, but they also love her and want to be her. The girl's do anyway and all the guys want to date her, but she would reject every one of them." He responds, chuffing his shirt a little.
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He laughs. "So, bell's goanna go soon." He is checking his wrist watch. "I have to start heading towards class." And he stands up. "Wait, I don't know anyone here and barely know where any classrooms are!" I cry out, begging him.
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"I'm sorry, Libby! I have to go. You'll figure it out, you're a smart girl too. Maybe I'll you around later at lunch? I'll be on that bench over there near the tree." He says, pointing.
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Then he is gone, but not before I feel him a move a strand of my hair, briefly caressing my ear.
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Then he begins to moonwalk back away, and trips over a garbage can that was right behind him. "Ouch!" He cries, standing up and rubbing his sore rear.
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"Hey, asshole! Stay away from her! NOT if you know what's good for you, Mercy!
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Girl, dude's a flirt! He is pretty much in every girl's panties at this school!" I hear a female voice ring out and I look up to see a girl with dyed red/purple hair dressed in sports clothing.
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She has a soccer-ball and kicks it at him, hitting him on the back. "Are you trying to kill me? Break my spine?
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"Fuck you, Shelby Brown!" He yells, raising "they* finger as he runs inside, late to class. The girl heads down to grab her ball.
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"And fuck yourself, Mercy! Cause NO GIRL in this school wants to date you!" She yells, then turning to face me. "Hey, girlfriend!" She exclaims, throwing an arm around my shoulder as I can see she's chewing gum.
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"That wasn't very nice!" I scold her.
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"What? Oh, come on, Becky! Don't be likeeee that. You know that guy's a dick! And Guy's only want one thing! To get in YOUR panties."
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"Really? Because he seemed very nice! Perhaps a little full of himself maybe, but if anything!" I yell shoving her off me. "If anything, ... I think you are the problem here!"
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She looks taken back by me. "And my name is Libby Biscuit!"
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"W-what? No, no. NO! Uh... Do you wanna skip the next class? We can get you a drink, we can talk..."
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"Drink? What drink?!"
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"Anything you like! Spirits, Wine-"
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"Oh no, you don't, 'Shelby Brown'! I only drink water and sometimes soda if it's a special occasion like a birthday. Are you out of your mind?!"
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"No, I'm not! Why are you being like this? This isn't you, Becky!"
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"Newsflash! I thought you would have learned by now that I look like a dead girl who went missing!
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Now if you will excuse me, I am off to get lost trying to find my class. If you want to get into trouble for skipping and whatever other crimes that you commit along the way, go ahead!
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It won't be my problem, because I'm having no part of it! And for the record? You seem like an outright bitch!" I tell her before storming off towards the school doors.
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"I see MY girl still has her 'attitude and sass!' Keep it up!" She calls as I walk away.
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"We aren't friends, Shelby and will NEVER be!" I yell back.
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"We'll see! Party at MY place, Thursday night, start time is 7 p.m. The street address is 24 Miller Way! You used to love the party scene! I'll see you there?!"
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"Not a chance in Ender Falls!" I yell back as the door closes as I head inside the school into the hallway. I can't hear her anymore.
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"Biscuit! The Bell has already gone! Get to class, you're in 104. You have English!" I hear someone yell at me. I turn my head to see it's, Gwen who is carrying a bunch of files in a blue, plastic crate.
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"Sorry, I was going there! I got held up."
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"I don't care for your excuses! Class NOW and I won't write you up."
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I start running there as a plan forms in her head. "Shelby is skipping class! I think she's off to do 'ciggies' or something. Her words, not mine!"
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"Oh, for god- Ah! That girl never stops, does she?!" I hear Gwen yell, dropping her crate promptly to just sit there on the floor and she storms right outside. I hear her blow a whistle that is around her neck. "Shelby!"
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I laugh as I run too class leaving Gwen onto Shelby. Whoever said that revenge wasn't fun was sincerely wrong!
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---
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I take a deep breath as it's lunchtime and I see Aiden is sitting on the bench near the tree that he said would be at.
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He seems to be fiddling with an expensive, long lens camera. I start making my way over to him. "H-Hi..." I whisper, not wanting to sit down as his bag is on the rest of the bench space. He may not want company...
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He looks up at me, smiling. "Sit down." He says, quickly removing his bag and dumping it on the floor. I take a seat.
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"W-what are you doing?" I ask.
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"Cleaning the lens of my camera." He explains as he cleans it with a small white cloth.
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"I'm glad you came, Libby." I hear him say as he stops cleaning and packs the camera away in a special bag for it.
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"Y-Yeah... I don't really know anyone else..." I tell him. "That's okay." He smiles. "You actually had more questions earlier?"
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I nod. "Yeah... I-I did! I wanted to know about the boy and girl who are following me. They look identical sort of and I live next to them."
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"Oh, them. They're brother and sister. The Twins as we all call them. Their names are Ian and Kacey." He says, handing me a piece of paper with a phone number. I take it and put it into my phone. "My number in case you ever need to call me."
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"Thanks, Aiden!"
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"No problem, babe."
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"Don't call me, babe."
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"Sorry, Libby."
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"You're forgiven."
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Were there any other questions...?"
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"Uh...."
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"You wanted to know if there was anything else you need to know?"
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"Yeah."
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"Don't do drugs or alcohol and don't go up to Ender Falls waterfalls alone... Stay out of trouble.
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Study hard, do your homework. Eat your veggies and fruit, they're good for you. Drink H2o as well. It's good for you also and also keeps you healthy. Any others questions?"
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And then a weird look comes across his face. "Actually, w-wait! I just remembered something."
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"Kacey and Ian?"
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"Yeah?"
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"Did you know that Kacey spent five days in hospital? Heard she was on the psych floor.
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Her brother and their foster guardian had her admitted not long ago. I don't really know why and she has just returned to school today it seems. Same day as you.
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They we're close with Becky Winters. No doubt you turning up has really hit home for them... Maybe Kacey more so.
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I would ignore them, but if you care about conflict resolution... Go and talk to them." He says smiling.
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"T-thank you!" I stammer. "Anything else I need to know?"
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"Look behind you."
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"What?"
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"Look behind you."
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I look behind me with Aiden to see on the overpass is them now. Ian is covered in bruises, scars, and cuts.
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"Injuries?" I whisper, watching them vanish around the corner. I turn back to face Aiden.
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"Yeah. Seems Kacey taking some frustrations out on him."
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"Ouch." I say shocked, covering my mouth.
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He shrugs. "I've only heard rumors and I shouldn't gossip regarding sensitive topics, I'm sorry." He speaks. After this we are due to head back to class and head our separate ways, but not before Aiden moving a strand of my hair again behind my ear again and him giving me, his scarf because it's 'cold.'
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That's honestly so sweet! I accept and he asks me to meet him at the front of the school in the afternoon, I accept.
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---
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I step out onto the pavement in front of the school. I clutch my bag to my chest, shaking as I feel everyone's gaze is on me again. I just want this all to stop!
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Some people seem to be waiting for a bus.
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"Libby, over here!"
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I look in front of me to see Aiden sitting on a motorbike just across the road. He has a helmet on and is holding one out.
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"Really?" I ask. "This is why you wanted me too-"
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"Jump on! I'll give you a lift home."
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I end up nodding and climb on, but not before putting my bag on the correct way and then pulling the helmet on.
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Everyone starts to laugh for some odd reason and Aiden just tells me that they are 'jealous.'
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I make sure that my arms are wrapped tightly around his chest so I don't fall off. He asks if I'm ready and I am, but I squeal as we take off. It's an interesting experience to say the least.
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Feeling the wind rush through my hair!
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We're only about two blocks from my home when I feel Aiden stop the bike and we roll back for an unknown reason. Why? Turning both our heads to see a semi-overgrown area that has a chain link fence which appears to have been busted open some time ago. There is a house there, falling apart, but that's not the unexpected part... "Ian, Kacey?
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What the fuck do you guys think you're doing this?!
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This area is considered 'off limits' by the mayor and police. Get out of there before someone or I call the police on you both for trespassing!" Aiden scolds and I hit his back with my fist making him cough. Their sad expressions to laughter.
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"Alright, alright! I won't call the police on them, Libby! But it is an 'off limits' area!" Aiden tells me before looking back at them.
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"Getting caught here again for this now won't make things look good for you both. You're already in a foster home; do you want to end up in a secure unit miles away in one of the cities?" He speaks.
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Ian just shrugs and I see Kacey turn around again and place a bunch of flowers that are neatly tied together at the base of the falling apart, abandoned house before she stands up and buries her face into Ian's shoulder. He starts rubbing her back. I think they are trying to do anything they can to avoid looking at me...
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"Why do I even bother to try to help? Forget it, Libby. Let's keep going and I'll take you home." Aiden says, starting the bike up again oddly enough to what seems like Ian and Kacey's annoyance.
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We ride off. We arrive in my street and Aiden parks the bike. He pulls off his helmet and so do I. He also climbs off to help me off. I give him back his scarf, but he declines and gives it back to me, saying that you should treat ladies how they should be treated or some fancy gentlemen crap.
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As Aiden is doing something to his bike, I look at the house next door. "That's where Ian and Kacey were placed." He speaks up.
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"Yep." I respond. Maybe... maybe if I look out my bedroom window later, I will see Kacey and Ian returning home?
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I know that is spying, but...
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"I hope those Idiots gets their ass back home soon otherwise they're likely to be sent to secure and split up. You know, separated."
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I can't think of any response and say nothing. "You're not talkative sometimes, but when you are, he!" Aiden laughs, climbing back on. "See you tomorrow at school, Libby!" He smiles, giving me a wave as he rides off. I make my way towards the house and go in, gently closing the door behind me.
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"Mitchell, Veronica! I'm home! Zekey?!" I call out as I quickly head to my room and dump my bag before heading back down the hall towards the kitchen that connects to the living room. It's silent...
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Are they out still? No, they wouldn't be if they knew I was coming home from school. Their jobs finish before my classes end.
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One of them or both of them should be home at-least? As I walk into the kitchen, I nearly trip when something bumps into my shoe. A tennis ball and I look up to see his tongue out and his collar off. "Hey, Zekey!" I smile, bending down and giving him a pat, which just excites him more.
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"Where's Mitchell and Veronica, boy?" I ask him. He woofs in response, but it's not like I can understand him sadly. I wish I could! As I get further into the kitchen, Zekey trails behind me with the tennis ball in his mouth.
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I let out a slight squeal as Veronica slides in front of me from hiding behind the pantry door. Her arms are crossed and she has an unhappy expression on her face. I'm so in trouble!
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"Do you want to tell me what that I saw outside the window was, Libby?" She says in an annoyed manner. I bite my lip.
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"Don't bite your lip, you'll hurt yourself." She lectures me. I stop.
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"Where's Mitchell?" I ask.
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"Out." She responds shortly.
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"Out?" I repeat back to her.
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"That's what I said, Libby. So do you want to explain to me first of all why there was a boy with YOU?! And second - You took a ride from him on his motorbike?"
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"I-I-I-"
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"Tell me the truth! I don't have all day."
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"He was kind..."
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"That doesn't really answer the question, Libby," Veronica says in a huff, turning to the bench and just wiping the bench and around the sink with a sponge. "Just don't do it again. You don't know him." She scolds me, not even looking at me. That's when you know she's angry with you, when she pretty much ignores you.
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"Veronica, I can explain-" I start off.
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"Ah! I DON'T want to hear it, young lady! That was Aiden Mercy... Stay away from him. His trouble and a very nosey individual!" She says as she keeps cleaning.
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"There is a snack ready for you. It's in the fridge on a plastic plate. Eat it here in the kitchen at the dining table please, then go to your room, change and do your homework."
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That's all I get from her as she says nothing else. I look to Zekey who's lying on the floor and his ears are tucked behind, looking scared. His whimpering slightly... I admit defeat and head to the fridge, pulling it open while groaning and rolling my eyes.
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"And don't do that or I will ground you, young lady! It's disrespectful to me!" I hear my friend scold as she is run's the sink to fill it up with soapy water. As I am taking a plate out with a veggie sandwich and apple on it, I see a block of cheese to the side and a small cutting knife with it. My head starts to pulse, what I think is on the onset of a bad headache.
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I put the plate down gently. I feel my chest. It's not hurting so that is good, very good.
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The headache gets worse though as time goes on... "Don't stand with the fridge door open too long otherwise the cold will leave." Veronica lecturers, not turning around as I hear the sound of dishes in soapy water. I clutch my head with one hand feeling my sight go weird and dimmed.
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I bring my hand down from my head to look at it. I see splatters of blood on it and all over the fridge and its contents.
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The wall, floor, everything! I realize that I can't hear the sound of dishes in soapy water anymore... What is going on?! I turn my head to look for Zekey and let a tear slip when I see him, but...
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His just a skeleton, sitting there on the floor... Decaying like he's been there for years, flies buzzing around him... I go to let out a shriek, but I realize that I can't make a sound or will myself to move and run to Veronica for a hug!
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I feel like I'm going to be sick! Wait... I feel my arm shaking as it starts to move on its own, but I'm the one moving it... I can feel it and I grip the knife that is next to the cheese tightly and bring it up to my view to see the sunlight glistening off of it...
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I have no control over anything. Veronica and Zekey if he is still there need to get out of the house, now! After that, I barely remember anything anymore...
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"I'm back in control now, Libby Biscuit." I hear a chilling voice ring out, but it's my voice... I said it out loud... I cannot move or look around or hear anything except my own voice. I'm no longer in control of my own body now.
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"She honestly thought that lying would absolve of her guilt? How pathetic, Libby. It's pathetic, isn't it?"
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I can't say anything. "Answer me!" She screams at me from inside.
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"Ah, right. You can't! Of course, because this is my body, not yours."
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I choke back an invisible sob and everything goes dark after that for me... "Libby, are you okay? Do you need to lie down or something? I can help you to your bed and bring you your food.
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You have just been standing there for the last few minutes. Do you not feel well? Do you think you are running a fever?"
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"Hello, Veronica. It seems like you have forgotten me."
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"What?! Libby, put that Knife down!"
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"Oh, I don't think so dear ex-friend."
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"You don't have to do this!"
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"Oh, but you did. Don't lie, Veronica. It doesn't suit you, bitch."
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"Libby, stop this attitude and behaviour now! What you are saying and doing is not okay. Drop the knife and step away from it or give it to me."
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"No. I'm done being your slave and taking orders. I'm back to stay, bitch. Libby's no longer here. Does the name: 'Becky Winters ring a bell?"
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"Oh, shit..."
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---
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"LIBBY! LET GO! GET OF ME! NOW, PLEASE! YOU'RE GOING TO KILL ME! DON'T DO SOMETHING THAT YOU WILL REGRET! MITCHELL! SOMEONE, PLEASE! MITCHELLLLL!"
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I open my eyes, my vision adjusting to see Veronica is leaning against the cupboards on the floor. Her clothes are a mess, eyes tear strained and her perfect bun has come undone. I'm gripping onto her wrists while still clutching the knife, pointed directly for her chest. She has a weak grip though on my wrists but failing at holding me off.
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Her screaming weakens and is becoming softer because no doubt she has been screaming on end for mere minutes "Libby, I know you're in there! Please, fight her off!" She screams one final time as she tries to push me off and I feel my hand stops shaking as I direct the knife to impede into the cupboard just a mere few centimetres away from both of us and she pushes me off with her feet that I slide and hit the cupboard on the other side of the cupboard. I see Zekey is hiding under the table, whimpering.
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It dawns on me that my vision is no longer blurry and that I can hear. I have complete control of my body again! I crawl forward a little, but collapse on the floor, holding my aching head as I see Veronica look at me with worry in her eyes. She quickly leaps up and grabs the knife out of the cupboard before opening the window and throwing the knife swiftly out the window into the backyard... She clutches her phone afterwards off the bench.
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"D-don't worry, L-Libby... I-I can call s-someone to come help u-us. T-to help you!" She says with a shaky and hoarse voice at what sounds like the dial pad...
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She's slowly pressing buttons. Only 3 though, but she hasn't rung it yet like she's taking one last look at me, deciding if she really wants to press 'call' on it.
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"No!" I cry, panicking and struggle to run, my feet slipping as I head down the corridor. "Wait, Libby! Come back!" I hear Veronica cry, getting up to chase after me.
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I reach for the front door when it opens at the wrong time, Mitchell there and the door collides with me.
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I'm lying on the floor, feeling dizzy. Mitchell is calling for Veronica and she comes, carrying Zekey.
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I notice then that Veronica has a few bruises and a cut above her eyebrow.
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"What happened to you?!" He exclaims at her and she doesn't say anything.
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Then I start to cry a bit, clutching my chest. It's aching now and feels like the worst pain. "Libby?" Mitchell panics, bending down to me and Veronica slowly follows, holding Zekey and she does raise the ear to her phone, pressing call when the door slowly opens behind us fully.
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"What did you do?!" Scream two voices.
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"We didn't do anything!" I hear Mitchell yell back. "Bull-shit." Says a female voice.
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"She tried to attack me! Look at my forehead!" I hear Veronica say back as I clutch my chest and start to gasp for air.
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A boy bends down to look at me, turning me over slightly. Ian, his sister, Kacey with him.
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"Don't worry, help is going to come, Becky."
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Then she passes out.
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