We arrived at school, and as Seira walked off to her first class, I made my way toward my locker. My thoughts were all over the place, especially after this morning's weird start. As soon as I opened the locker, a piece of paper slipped out, fluttering to the ground. It was another one of those damn letters.
I bent down to pick it up and unfolded it, my stomach turning as I read the words.
You can't save her if she doesn't trust you. Trust is key. Without it, you'll fail.
I felt the familiar knot in my chest. Every time I read one of these, it was like something was trying to break me down—make me feel like this was all impossible, that I couldn't do it. I didn't know who was sending these letters, but they always seemed to show up when I least expected them, with cryptic warnings that only added to the stress.
What's with these letters? I crumpled the paper in frustration. Is someone trying to help or mess with my head?
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching, and I looked up to see Jack walking over. Jack Morrison was the type of guy you couldn't miss—tall, broad-shouldered, always looking like he just came from the gym. His dirty blonde hair was always tousled in that effortless "bad boy" way, and his dark green eyes had this permanent sneer behind them. He was popular, but not because people actually liked him—more because they didn't want to be on his bad side. Also, after Seira getting murdered he is the second victim.
"Yo, Seth," Jack greeted me, his voice casual, but there was always an edge to it. "I saw you walk in with Seira today. What's that about?"
My jaw clenched. I knew where this was going. Jack was one of those guys who made Seira's life hell. He was always throwing crumpled-up papers at her during class, whispering snide comments, especially when her usual seatmate Olivia wasn't around. Olivia hadn't been at school for a week now, leaving the seat next to Seira empty—and that was when Jack really started picking on her.
Back then, I used to laugh along with him. I never actively bullied her, but I didn't do anything to stop it either. Seira had friends in class, but they never really stood up for her. They just treated her like a backup—a spare friend when they didn't have anyone else to hang out with. No wonder she never really fit in.
"It's none of your business," I replied coolly, slamming my locker shut.
Jack raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that response. "Oh, come on. You've gotta tell me. What's up with you and Seira? You like her or something?"
I froze for a second. Like Seira? No, that wasn't it. I didn't have feelings for her, did I? But before I could even process the question, I found myself speaking.
"There's nothing between us," I said firmly. "And it's none of your damn business anyway."
Jack laughed, but it was a mocking, condescending sound. "Right. Sure. Whatever you say. But man, that girl... she's something, huh?"
I could feel it coming—the way he was about to tear into her. Jack never missed a chance to mock Seira, and today was no different.
"She tries so hard to look girly, doesn't she?" Jack continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But it just never works. She's still so damn awkward. Like, have you seen the way she dresses? She doesn't even know how to wear makeup properly."
I gritted my teeth, trying to hold back my frustration. But Jack wasn't done.
"And her attitude? Man, she's rude as hell. Always snapping back at people like she's got something to prove. It's hilarious. Like, no one cares about her, and she still thinks she's hot shit."
Stop. I told myself to walk away, but something kept me rooted in place, listening to every vile word.
"And let's be real," Jack added with a smirk, "if she ever did get targeted by a killer, no one would even notice. It's not like anyone gives a crap about her. She's practically invisible."
That was it.
Before I knew it, my fist slammed against the locker, right next to Jack's head. The sound echoed through the hallway, and Jack jumped back, his eyes wide with shock.
"What the hell, Seth?" he stammered, holding his hands up defensively. "It was just a joke, man!"
My knuckles ached from the impact, but I didn't care. I was seething, the blood rushing to my head as I glared at him.
"She's worth ten of you," I spat, my voice low but filled with anger. "She's better than you'll ever be."
Jack stared at me, stunned into silence. He had probably never seen me this angry before. Hell, I hadn't seen myself this angry in a long time. Usually, I just let things slide. Usually, I didn't care enough to get involved.
But this wasn't like before.
"Dude, calm down," Jack finally muttered, clearly rattled. "It was just a joke."
"Yeah? Well, maybe you should find better jokes." I turned on my heel, leaving him standing there by the lockers, too stunned to respond.
As I headed to class, my mind was still racing. I didn't understand it—why I suddenly felt so defensive of Seira, why Jack's words had set me off like that. It wasn't just about her being bullied anymore. It was about something more. Something that made me want to protect her, to prove that she wasn't invisible. That she wasn't just some nobody.
But more than that, it was about the letter. If she doesn't trust me, I'll fail.
I needed her to trust me. But how could I make that happen when I had spent years being part of the problem?
With these thoughts weighing heavily on my mind, I slipped into the classroom, scanning the room for Seira. She was already there, sitting in her usual seat, completely oblivious to what had just happened. She was staring out the window, her face set in that familiar, unreadable expression she always wore when she thought no one was paying attention.
I sighed, sliding into my seat. The day had barely started, and I already felt like I was drowning. How was I supposed to make her trust me in 37 days when I couldn't even fully understand my own feelings?
But one thing was certain: I couldn't afford to waste any more time.