~ JINX ~
'Katelyn, what have you been doing? So I'm not your first.'
I let out an exasperated smile. For some reason I wasn't even the littlest bit surprised. My mind drifted, momentarily, to the days I spent with her and to the day I met her for the first time, she was sobbing on a bench in the park. It all seemed to make so much sense now; the sneaky behaviour, the constant need to evade public eyes and the desire to wield power. I had always mistaken her to be a spoiled little girl trying to the borrow power and self-confidence which she didn't have.
So, it was simply her trying to avoid identification, to avoid leaving imprints that would trace back to her when her sins came up on exhibit one day. I drew in a breath and exhaled slowly, finding myself a seat on the bed.
I looked over the journal again. There was this bitter twist in my gut. The truth hung over me like the grim ripper. I felt uneasy, a disquiet silence settling within me as the facts lay bare before me; Katelyn had directly and indirectly killed two individuals. That is to say, Kimberly Memorial High school was harbouring a serial murderer.
I looked over my shoulders at the reflection staring back at me in the mirror. Her eyes which were Hazel had become glassy and grey just like the one I had when I was still alive as Sierra. I was slowly taking the form of my old self, I noticed but what really puzzled me was why I lived? Rebirth is no mere gift of providence. It was a second chance.
My gaze reverted back to the journals on the table. Katelyn's name spewed all over it.
'I think I know why I was allowed to live again.'
I rose from the bed and walked to the mirror. 'I am alive for revenge. Katelyn and every one of her accomplices must pay for what they have done. To do that, I have to return to Kimberly Memorial High school'.
****
ONE YEAR LATER.
"Are you sure about this? There are so many schools to pick from." mother asked once more, bundling my hair and swirling it into a French bun.
"Yes, mother. Kimberly is a good high school. I've heard plenty of cool stuff about it." I chimed, sounding as cheerful as a liar can be.
"Are you serious? Isn't it the same school where someone jumped off…"
"Mum-" I twirled to face her. "That was so one year ago. Everyone is over it. You should too. I mean it's not like her school pushed her."
Mum was silent for a moment and then sighed, her face holding up a hint of worry and defeat. "Alright, I can see you really like this school. I hope you enjoy today then."
A big smile curled up my lips. "I will mummy. I certainly will."
She gave me a furry big hug and then left. Immediately she shut the door, the smile disappeared. I packed my purse, stashing a pen knife inside it.
A while ago, I had brought a form for the entrance exam into Kimberly High. Part of the privileges of passing the exam was a tour around the school before registrations. I was counting on that. Finally, I had the perfect disguise to shuffle me in and out without anyone knowing what I was going to do. I chose a black dress, and fancy but dull looking shoes. Mother drove. She dropped me off at the subway and we bid farewell.
I watched her wheel away, my heart, a tad heavy with guilt. What I had been planning for a year now, was going to break her. She didn't deserve it but it just has to be done. I looked up at the sky and exhaled. It was windy today, cold too. It added a chill to my bones and a little compulsion to achieve my cause.
'Faith, don't fail me now.' I tucked my purse close and sauntered down the beautiful streets of my hometown.
The tour was about to start when I entered the school. I joined one of the groups and we were given tags that would indicate we were visitors. After that, we were lead by a female teacher, into the school. Once she had crossed us into the large corridor that extended into classrooms, I slipped away from the crowd. It was still midday, so most likely students were in classes but Katelyn wouldn't be, she never attended class.
I had been keeping track of her academics for months now. She didn't graduate with my set as she should. Poor grades the principal said but I knew there was more to her stay than that. The cream and brown tiles welcomed me into the next hallway which led to the female dorms. Katelyn never changed her room. It was till Dorm 7.
I hid the tag in my purse, tousled my hair and smudged my lipstick. I looked slightly roughed up. As I expected, the students presumed as I was one of the hardheads sneaking back from an overnight party so I passed in silence. Even when I stood before Katelyn's dorm door, no one paid attention to me. The padlocks and key locks had been replaced with code combinations. It took a moment but I figured the password and entered her room. She wasn't there so I hid in the closet and waited.
Minutes rolled into hours, the door remained untouched. Sweat drenched me down to my undies. I lost track of time too. The mission slowly began to look futile but somehow I couldn't bring myself to leave. I had been preparing for this for a year now. My blood was boiling and my heart was beating fast, my conscience behind my back and my desire, bloody. If I walk, I may never build up to this kind of courage again.
I shut my eyes and took in a deep breath… someone tapped on the door.
My breath seized. My eyes snap open. I listened. The someone put in the code and slipped into the room, hurriedly.
'Katelyn '
I couldn't tell. I could only see Shadows. The figure hovered around and stopped in front of her closet. I, shaking a little, zipped open my purse and pulled out the knife. I sucked in a deep breath.
'This is for Jinx and for everyone, you hurt'.
I thrust my hand forward, breaking out of the closet. The knife met the body of the figure, Impaling and sinking fast. I faintly heard a deep groan before we both came crashing on the floor.
I shut my eyes unintentionally, as I broke my fall with the figure, warm blood ran over my hands, and sent shudders, like electricity, coursing through my fingers. I sprang from the body, immediately. The repulsion so fast, I couldn't find balance as I stood, so I lurched backwards, hitting the wardrobe.
"Ah." I winced, rubbing my affected arm. It was then, that I finally got to look at the body on the floor.
Shivers ran through my spin. I felt weak all of a sudden, my legs wobbled, fear drenching me like ice water. I covered my mouth.
'Oh crap. That's not Katelyn.'