Page 41 of Apathy
Megan’s tear-stained face was displayed on my screen. She had a gag in her mouth. She looked petrified, pleading with whoever was behind the camera.
Unknown: Did you like it?
Me: Who the fuck is this?
I typed with shaky hands, not believing what I was seeing.
Unknown: You’ll find out soon.
Me: I’m going to the police with this, you sick fuck.
I clickedSendand started walking toward the classroom on the other end of the hallway. I could feel the erratic beat of my heart, threatening to jump out of my chest.
I had to show this to somebody. That officer from yesterday, maybe?
Unknown: Do that and you will never see your friend Hailey again.
Another picture popped up, only this time it wasn’t Megan. I knew the backpack in the picture, and that chocolate-brown hair. I also knew the street she was walking on, heading to the school. He was right behind Hailey, and she didn’t even realize it.
Me: No, don’t hurt her.
I pleaded, typing as fast as I could.
Unknown: Then you will have to keep quiet.
Me: Yes, yes, I promise.
I could feel tears threatening to spill over my lids, but I couldn’t lose my cool now. I took a deep breath and started typing again.
Me: Why are you doing this?
Unknown: I’m doing it for us, for our future. You’ll see. We’re going to be perfect together because you were made for me.
A sob caught in my throat as the students started filling the hallway, heading to their next class. I stood frozen in place, staring at my phone and his words.
Me: What do you mean?
Unknown: You were always meant to be mine. Sempiternum meam.
The words on the screen were getting blurry, my breathing erratic, and when a hand landed on my shoulder, I screamed loud enough for everyone in the school to hear.
“Whoa,” Beatrice spoke. “What the fuck, dude?”
I lifted my head, clutching my phone to my chest. Students around us stared, confused by my reaction, and I couldn’t stop shaking.
“Sky, you look as pale as a ghost,” she murmured, stepping closer to me. “Are you okay?” She pressed her hand on my forehead. “You’re cold. Should you even be at school today?”
No. Yes. I didn’t know anymore.
My stomach lurched, thinking about Megan, thinking about the killer that was messaging me. This definitely wasn’t a prank. Somebody was out to get me. Somebody was hurting people in my name, and I had no idea who.
“Skylar?” Beatrice’s face turned even more serious, and I knew I was scaring her.
“I’m fine.” I smiled. “Just… I saw one of those jumpy videos, you know, and got scared.”Liar.
How was I supposed to get out of this? What was I supposed to do?
“Are you sure?” She still didn’t look convinced. “Because you don’t look so good.”
