Chapter 3 Are you a serial killer?
How did he know my name? Sav thought, shivering a little. She didn't know how she should feel about it.
Intrigued? Or Spooked?
Hurriedly, she picked up her fountain pen and began to write.
***
How did you come to know my name?
To be honest, I'm sensing a lot of stalker energy. It's not nice to be called out after all these years by someone whose name I never had a chance of knowing. The fact that you wrote my name so blatantly is very suspicious, considering yes, I'll be going to the academy soon and I'm not so thrilled about it. But as you aforementioned, you go to that school therefore it makes it seem more hopeful. I guess it's okay for you to know my name so you could show me around the school.
What is it like? How big is it? Are people nice there? Are the teachers scary? Are the dormitories as fancy as people say? What do I need to prepare?
Before answering those questions, you must answer this question: Are you a serial killer?
You must tell me your name,
Sav
***
I found out when you asked 'what are you like?'
Not a good step on your part; it was a double-edged sword.
No, I'm not a stalker and no, if I'm a serial killer then you wouldn't be asking these questions. You'd be dead. Also, I have not seen your face and no, I'm not going to show you around in school. I prefer to be anonymous because it's better that way for you and for everyone else.
The academy is best described as a wild shepherding. There's the sheep who follows the rules mindlessly. There's the shepherd who sets as a good example. And finally, there's the pack of wolves who preys on the sheep and go against the shepherd. The academy is as wide as you imagine it to be. The teachers are all high strung and strict. The dormitories are comfortable. Just go as you are. Nobody is ever prepared to go to hell.
Now that I have answered your questions, it's your turn.
Are you and your parents a family of assassins?
H.
***
Sav sighed, her heavy eye bags drooping. She couldn't sleep that night because of the inquisitions about her penpal. She was thrilled with the thought of having an instant friend at the academy but to her dismay, she was back to square one. His answers only sprung more questions in her head and most of them were personal which bothered the wits out of her.
How could he be so cruel?
She was thirsty for more information, hungry for descriptions, and dying for an explanation.
"I'm not so sure about this academy," she said at dinner to her parents.
"Why dear? I thought you're finally okay to study there." Her mom added peas on her plate.
"I'm not feeling the vibe."
Her father scratched his chin as he studied her. "How are you not feeling the vibe when you haven't been there?"
"I think it is okay to presume a vibe from the opinions of students who went to such a prestigious academy," she answered without missing a beat. "It may be judgmental of me but I do have a right to choose what's best for my well-being. And you both know how insanely accurate my instincts are. In conclusion, I'm just not feeling 'it'."
Both parents looked at each other, exchanging a quick conversation with their eyes. In the end, her mom shrugged making Sav smile. Her mom wasn't the one to argue with logic.
Unfortunately, her dad shook his head and Sav could feel that his counterattack would be fatal blow, noticing how his demeanor suddenly became grim. "Yes, you have a right to choose your own path darling but how presumptuous of you to judge the mafia academy negatively. Not everyone has the same opinion with the school they went to and most will hate the fact that they have to go to school. How many students have you asked? If you've tallied at least 30% of the students' "vibe" then this conversation is over. You may do whatever you like."
Sav bit her lower lip as she racked her brain to support her argument but she had none. Sighing in utter defeat, she raised her hands. "Fine, you win dad."
Her mom engulfed her in her arms. "That's great! Your dad and I had some of the best time of our lives in that academy. I'm sure you would too."
Her dad smiled. "Did I mention that's where your mother and I met? We had all our firsts there. I'm pretty sure that's where we made you as well."
"Did we honey?" Her mom raised an eyebrow at him while blushing. Sav was speechless, too horrified at the scene spiraling before her and in her head.
"Yes, remember we sneaked into the principal's room while they were having that meeting and then you grabbed my---"
"I don't want to hear this!" Sav cried as she covered her ears. She ran to her room as fast as she could. "I love you! Goodnight!" She slammed the door while her parents hollered in laughter.
"We love you more!"
Sav smiled sadly. In truth, she just didn't want to leave her parents as she loved them more than anything in the world. She'd trade her romantic life to be with them forever in a heartbeat but she knew that the inevitable would eventually happen and then she would be alone.
It was time for a change. It was time for her to step out in the danger zone.
***
I will find out who you are,
I have the finest traits and skills of a professional detective. People say my instincts are ridiculously accurate and I have a keen eye for any difference in physical attributes as well as the slightest change in behavior. So you might as well say goodbye to your mysterious facade. I will peel at them layer by layer in magnificent fashion.
Beware of my antics. You have been warned.
I will see you soon,
Sav