After leaving the assembly hall, James, Kelvin and Priscilla left the school premises together. The three were standing on a walkway not saying anything to each other. It was obvious they all had something on their minds.
Kelvin being a talkative couldn't hold it anymore, he eventually started a conversation.
"So... this event thing, what do you think about it?" Kelvin asked but gave no chance to the two to reply before he continued.
"For sure it sounds weird. I mean... it's just the first week of resumption when revisions are prioritized before the topics on the syllabus. Events like this take place in the middle of the semester or in the last weeks of the semester."
"But what bugs me more is the reward is quite big and this so called sponsor didn't state what he wants in return. We've all seen this happen before; a sponsor give big rewards to students and after high school or college, the students are called to work for the sponsor's company."
"It's more like investing for future purpose and that's why these sponsors look for the best in schools, nurture them and invite them to progress their company so they can add the new generation touch. I know this well because my father is not an exception, so why is this sponsor anonymous?"
"Are you done talking? Phew! I thought you'd keep talking forever." Priscilla managed to say after Kelvin's ramble stopped.
Kelvin just smiled after Priscilla's comment.
Although James listened to all Kelvin said and also thought the event was weird, something else was on his mind.
In truth, he was more than delighted when he heard the announcement and didn't really care why the sponsor did this. He already thought his tuition fees burden would be lifted off his mother if he managed to win or be one of the winners of the event.
However, James still had something pestering him. He noticed the students weren't the friendliest and also noticed the reaction when they learnt he was the new student.
Out of the blue, James blurted, "who is Bucky?"
As the two by his side heard this name, they felt a sharp pain in their chest. Sadness was clearly written on their faces.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" James asked.
"Bucky..." Kelvin was gnashing his teeth. "Bucky was... a serial killer. He killed a total of hundred and forty-five Braxton students before he was apprehended."
"He was not a student of Braxton but had pretended to be so as to execute his plan. It was also because of him that the student's tag was introduced. There was no such thing before in Braxton." Kelvin said holding his head to prevent an emotional outburst.
"He... he was not just a serial killer, he was a crazed one. It was rumored he ate some of his victims." Priscilla added with her eyes moist. It looked like she would burst into tears any moment.
Seeing Priscilla like this reminded James of a certain someone. James remembered what he usually does whenever his mother was sad.
Instinctively, James hugged Priscilla and gently stroked her blonde hair.
"He... he killed my best friend!" Priscilla eventually burst into tears.
"Shh it's okay." James said in a very low voice whilst stroking her hair.
Kelvin was also sad, but he stood there staring at the busy street.
After three or so minutes, Priscilla stopped crying. She soon noticed James arm was wrapped around her body and he was still gently stroking her hair with his other arm.
Kelvin getting over his sad thought started chuckling at the sight of the two in embrace.
James hearing the sound from Kelvin was out of his daze and slowly let go of Priscilla.
At that moment, James and Priscilla's faces were red.
"So what route do you guys take?" Kelvin asked trying to rid the awkwardness in the atmosphere.
"I have to stop by Cradenville to pick my sister." James replied.
"I'm also taking that route." Priscilla said. "Kelvin, I thought you were always picked by a driver?"
"Yeah! He won't be coming today so I might as well take that route. It leads to my house anyway." Kelvin replied.
"You mean mansion." Priscilla giggled.
'Hmm a rich guy... I might as well benefit from him being his friend.' James thought but quickly dismissed the thought in his head. He wasn't the selfish type after all but he thought he might just take advantage sometimes.
"So, you won't mind paying our fare then?" James asked with his head bowed to avoid eye contact with Kelvin.
"It's fine." Kelvin smiled.
The trio boarded a taxi and Kelvin was the first to alight, leaving James and Priscilla on board.
"So... where do you live?" James asked seeing they hadn't be much said since Kelvin alighted.
"Um... 45 Beecroft" Priscilla replied.
"No way! That's just two streets away from my house!" James said in elation.
"Really? I haven't seen you in the hood before." Priscilla said.
"Well..." James was about to reply before the taxi abruptly halted.
James could see a big school painted in green and white in front of them. There was a bold green text plastered on the white wall.
'Cradenville High School'
"Bye! Thanks for today." James waved to Priscilla before the taxi zoomed off.
James ran into Cradenville and came shortly afterwards holding a brown haired girl by the wrist.
"Why are you rushing?" Jessica asked.
"Me? I have a good news for mom." James replied.
The brother and sister duo boarded a taxi home with one thought in James's mind.
James had long decided in the assembly hall it was compulsory for him to win the event.
He got home minutes later and rushed to his room to studied History and Geography intensively.
Serena arrived two hours later and James dashed out of his room to relay the news of the event.
Unbeknownst to James, this would be a turning event in his life.
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