Goosebumps

"So what are we doing this weekend?" Ralph asked once classes were over.

"How about karaoke?" Brianna said beaming with delight.

Brutes groaned. "We have been doing karaoke almost every weekend. Sorry to say this but you are a lousy singer."

She glared at him while Caroline and I giggled. He was right about her being a terrible singer with her mixing up the lyrics of a song and forgetting the words. Ralph defended his sister who was at Brute's throat for calling her a lousy singer while Andrew and Aubrey rolled their eyes. I kind of notice that their distinct personalities is what defined our group; Aubrey was the fiery and organized type of girl while Brianna was carefree and disorganized. Brutes and Caroline were the quiet ones with the distention that one was creepy while the other wasn't. Ralph may look like the outgoing type but he is actually a guy who likes to keep to himself and Andrew was the one who pulled no punches in his words and actions.

I was lost in thought when someone walked passed us in anger. It was Valarie and her friends were nowhere to be seen.

"Whoa what is up with her?" Brianna asked.

Then some group of girls walked passed us whispering and giggling to each other. Andrew stopped one of them and asked what was going on,

"Oh haven't you heard?" she began. "Valarie and Brandon broke up!"

We were shocked. "Why did they breakup?" asked Ralph.

"Something about him falling for another girl." The girl replied. Then she leaned over and winked at me. "I heard it was you."

I cringed. "I don't like him."

She shrugged and walked away. "Who knows? It could be anybody."

We watch them walk away.

"Humph that girl really has the nerve to tell you that." Aubrey said with a huff. "I bet she is secretly campaigning to be his next girlfriend."

"I highly doubt it. Valarie will have her expelled if she tried that." Ralph pointed out.

"Really?" I asked in curiosity.

"Yeah! She is daddy's little girl! All she needs to do is to call up her father and boom! You are gone!" Brianna said and balling up her fist she added, "That is why I hate her."

"The fact we all have to walk on eggshells because of her really makes me wonder about the school system." Brutes said pushing up his glasses.

I nod and decide to change the subject. "So, what are we do this weekend?"

"We could go to the fair," Andrew suggested. "I participated in an online competition and won the tickets."

Aubrey snapped at Andrew. "Why didn't you tell us that sooner idiot?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise?" he replied shrugging. "Maybe my dad can pick all of us up and take us there."

"That would be a good idea if one of us knew where someone lived." Brutes said looking at me. Soon as I saw all eyes on me waiting for me to speak.

"What?" I asked.

Brianna sighed. "So are you going to tell us where you live?"

I laugh and give them my address and phone number hoping when they come, they would not see me doing something weird like sneaking out of the building through the window or my Aunt and Uncle yelling at each other. We said our goodbyes and on the way home, I brainstorm on how I was going to meet them without anyone seeing the monstrosity of a family I had inside the apartment.

Then I had an idea, 'I will wake up earlier and wait for them in front of my apartment building to pick me up.'

When I got home I was met with a pleasant surprise; my Uncle was gone.

"He is in the hospital." My Aunt announced taking a smoke.

I was shocked and at the same time relived. "What happened to him?"

"Someone attacked him on his way home." came the response. "I called the police and they are on the case so you don't have to worry. They are waiting for him to wake up so that he can identify or give a clue to who the culprit is."

I shiver upon hearing the word 'police' because it brought back some terrible memories. "How long is he going to be there?"

She took a drag on her cigarette before responding. "The doctor said two months."

I smile inwardly and go to my room. He was going to be gone for two months or more! I admit I am happy about this because I no longer have to worry about him sneaking into my bedroom to molest me. Yeah he does that sometimes. Luckily for me, my closet has a secrete room where I can hide. I also hide my money and valuables there too!

To celebrate, I take a long shower then do my homework and go to sleep. Early the next day, I wake up, do my morning activities and wait for my friends outside the building. Sitting on the curb and ignoring the looks passerby's gave me and began to think of my crush Alex.

'I have to admit the Cooking Club has really taught me a lot about food and how to prepare them. If I am unable to go to college, I can go to culinary school and become a chef. Maybe I can own my own restaurant! The Martial Arts Club helps me learn how to defend myself. I wanted to go for karate but Sensei told me to do Judo instead. It was easy for me to do all the activities but I am getting the hang of it.'

My train of thoughts were interrupted when a car pulled up in front of me.

"C'mon in girl," Brianna said and I do so. The ride to the fair was uneventful until we got there. We tried the food, the games and the rides. It was my first time there and I wanted to make some good memories while I was at it. So I brought some money and spent it on taking pictures.

We went on the Farris Wheel which was last activity we had to do before the Fair closed. Andrew sat with Aubrey, Brianna sat with Ralph, and I ended up with Caroline while Brutes sat on his own with a total stranger.

"Wow, this looks beautiful," Caroline said as the wheel rotated around in a slow motion.

"Yeah," I replied. "The city looks pretty in the night. With all the city lights and..."

"Do you believe in curses?" she asked interrupting me.

"Huh?"

"Do you believe in curses?" she asked again.

"Uh, no I don't." I reply.

She looked away before responding, "I believe in them."

I suddenly felt concerned because she looked sad. "Why, did something happen to you?"

"Not to me but to others," came the reply.

"To others?"

"Yes," then she paused. "Our school looks beautiful doesn't it?"

I nod.

"Do you know why it was so cheap to get into?"

I thought for a while and nodded again. When I signed up for the student exchange program, I picked the school because of how cheap it was despite the attractive appearance. Know that got me wondering, why was it was cheap?

As if reading my thoughts she said, "It was because of the murders."

I felt goosebumps on my skin. "W...what murders?"

"One minute a student goes missing for a day and the next day they show up and stab a fellow student." She began. "Some even go as far as to throw themselves and a fellow student off the roof or push them down a fleet of stairs!"

I gulped. "Didn't the police investigate why it happened?"

She nodded. "They did but couldn't find the reason behind the killings. Many say our school is cursed although I don't know why."

The ferries wheel came to a halt and we got down to meet with our friends.

"Hey guys, how was the ride on ferries wheel?" Brianna asked.

I put up a straight face. "It was awesome."

"Yes it was," Caroline said with happiness. "Emma and I saw the stars."

"Umm, they were no stars Caroline," Brutes said "Only satellites." Then he looked at his phone. "We should go, it is getting late."

Brianna huffed muttering the word 'kill joy' underneath her breath as we walked away to the car park. There Andrew said he needed to go to the bathroom giving Brianna the opportunity to pick a fight with Brutes. Ralph on the other hand was trying to break them up while Aubrey fell asleep leaning on the car. I stayed with Caroline who nudged me and whispered into my ear.

"I think it was caused by someone, thirsty for revenge!"

I had goosebumps all over me that night.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***