Fiery Trap- Copy

8/12/2019 Fiery Trap- Copy

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Fiery Trapby

Mike Mauthor

Copyright 2012 by Mike Mauthor

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of thewriters imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construedas real. Any

resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoeverwithout written permission from the author


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Prologue

Jays Funeral

Is the rain a sign? Is it God crying about where Jays soul went? a thin-looking boy, aged

thirteen thought. His eyes gazed at the falling drops of water that puck, puck, pucked on hislarge, sable umbrella.Is my brother going to hell for what he did?he wondered somberly, this

time looking away from the drizzling rain. His grey eyes were now on the pastor, reading his

leather-bound Bible. He was the reason this thought just came to him. Each time he quoted

scriptures, the rain became heavier and the leaden clouds rumbled. He was positive this was God

weeping for his brothers soul.

His narrow eyes stared at the casket furiously, but his mother next to him didnt notice.

She cried just like the rain, as no one could comfort her. Her so-called good friends didnt stayaround when they saw all over the news that her son was the other person that murdered the

Hausefallesoldest child. The Hausefalles were well known in town and were very respected.The thought of going to the funeral of a murderer might as well mean you were an outcast in

town. The funeral attendees consisted of out-of-towners, specifically folks who remembered the

good side of Jay (the middle-school Jay that excelled in his classes, but got too caught up in thewrong group and didnt pay much attention to schoolwork or his single mothers nagging advice.

Also, the boy that once loved to ride his bike around the neighborhood, waving his candy-sticky

hand at his elderly neighbors every time he saw them outside). These were the people that

showed up for the funeral, and they totaled only ten.

Everyone was shielded from the pouring rain with a black umbrella except for a large,bald man at the very end of the row. This stranger clearly needed a larger umbrella than he

currently had,but didnt seemto mind the rain soaking through his expensive, dark suit. He

appeared somewhat irritated by the event taking place. Kyle couldnt blame him; he wished he

and his brother werent here either.

Kyle, a voice hissed at him. His thoughts puffed away as he focused on the personcalling him. His friend, Caldwell, stared at him with his sad eyes. Kyle smiled faintly to ease his

pain. Caldwell was his best and only friend. He hung around with Kyle and Jay, as he didnt

have any siblings. In fact, Kyle considered Caldwell his brother. He was also as skinny andawkward as Kyle. Glancing at Caldwell, Kyle realized that Caldwells heartfelt mourning over

Jays death truly made him a family member in Kyles mind.Caldwell lightly patted Kyles back

and he replied with an assuring nod. He wanted him to know he felt all right. Kyles eyes nowwent to the water-splattered casket.

The rain still poured. Kyles mother still wept. Pastor still read the scripture. The onlydifference was the casket now descended to rest six feet under. It was painful for Kyle to watch.

This is actually it. This is actually happening. My brother is in some big black box and hes

never coming back. He will never ring the doorbell. He isnt coming back home. This isnt some

type of prank that Jay is pulling on me and Mom. And with that thought, his eyes streamed with


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silent tears. But another thought followed, the thought of who was responsible. The very thought

of the person brought fury mixed with pain within him.

He hated those that were involved with his brothers death. He thought it was unfair.

Even though his brother wasnt in the right frame of mind, it didnt mean he deserved to die. Jail,

yes, but not death. Kyle narrowed his eyes at the sky and the image of a female with dark brownhair and thick-rimmed glasses appeared in his thoughts. He tightened his right fist in anger. He

hated her for what she did.

He now noticed workers shoving muddy dirt onto the casket. Kyle couldnt take this

anymore as his eyes swelled up. His heart burst out of his chest in grief. He felt trapped, so heran away, leaving the umbrella behind that shielded him from the rain. His mother, too consumed

by her own pain, didnt care to call out or follow him.

Kyle! Kyle! Caldwell shouted and raced after him. As for some of the attendees, they

just watched them run away, not willing to get wet.

***

School hadntbeen easy for Kyle. He was constantly bullied when Jay was alive. Jay

tried to make him defend himself, but ultimately it didnt work. Now it wasmuch worse. Andnow that his school knew about what Jay had done, it made him an outsider more so than ever.

No one wanted to come near him. The following Monday, after the funeral, every single person

glared their loathing eyes at him in the hallway.

Kyles stomach churned, almost to the point that he wanted to vomit. He couldnt deal

with this much animosity toward him. It wasnt his fault his brother was involved with the

attempted robbery of the Hausefalles. It wasnt his fault his brother was involved with themurder of Alicia Hausefalle. It wasnt his faulthis brother was involved with the attempted

murder of Nathan, Amy, and Rachel. Kyle knew it wasnt fair and he knew that there wasnothing he could say or do to change their minds.

He was headed toward his locker when someone joined him.

Hey, Caldwell, Kyle said.

Whats up, man? Caldwell replied. He held a big, black binder in his left hand.

Nothing, Kyle said with a trace of sadness.

Look, Kyle, Caldwellsaid. Dont let these people get to you. Regardless of what Jay

did, he was the coolest person ever.

Thanks, man, Kyle said with a weak smile.

So what do you want to do this Satur Caldwell said, but stopped himself when

something slipped out of his binder. Kyle grabbed the magazine that landed on the beige tile

floor.


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MensFitnessmagazine? Kyle said ashe read the front cover. He stared at Caldwell.

He raised an eyebrow at him, wondering what his friend was doing with it.

Ha, ha, ha, dont even go there, Caldwell responded, then snatched the magazine out of

Kyles hand.Im just getting tips on how to bulk up. I dont want to be skinny forever and I

think you should read it too. Maybe if you gain a bit of muscle people wouldnt mess around

with you as much.

Not interested, Kyle said to him. However, the thought of bulking up wasnt a bad idea.

Caldwell might be right, Kyle thought.Maybe if I had some muscle people might think twice

before messing around with me.

Okay,but it wouldnt hurt trying. Kyle shrugged his shoulders. Maybe youll change

your mind when you see me muscle up, he said while flexing his bony arm.

Kyle had almost reached his locker when he noticed a small crowd of his peers, pointingand whispering to each other. Kyle and Caldwell exchanged a look of bewilderment before Kyle

continued to approach his locker, wondering what the attention was about. As he drew closer, he

noticed a torn newspaper taped to the door. He froze, stunned by what he saw. The newspaper

clipping displayed a picture of his brother. Beneath the picture, written with rough, large redwriting was the word Murderer. Kyle couldnt believe this was happening; it caught him off

guard. He didnt notice Caldwell rush past him and snatch the paper off his locker in anger.

Who did this? Caldwell shouted, his face raging mad as he flashed the clipping at the

distant onlookers who were now backing away in fear. Who did this? It was only a second

before the students around Kyle parted, clearing the way for two people that approachedCaldwell. The first person to arrive was Tyler, a lean student with a square chin and upturned

nose. Kyle knew him to be the class clown and not very threatening. But his friend that

accompanied him was another story. Everyone feared Aiken. Despite the fact that Kyle,

Caldwell, and Aiken were the same height, Aiken beat both of them in muscle size. His beadyeyes gazed menacingly at them. Seeing Aiken, Caldwells rage subsided. Nerves took over.

I did. And what are you going to do about it? Tyler said,staring him right in the eyes.

Caldwell didnt say anything. Without warning, Tyler punched him right in his stomach. Thenewspaper flew out of his hand along with his binder. Luckily, his fitness magazine didnt fall

out also, or else Tyler wouldve comeup with a thousand cruel jokes for him. Caldwell dropped

to his knees, coughing roughly. Some of the students in the crowd gasped yet did nothing.

Hey! Kyle said, getting angry at Tyler. Kyle rushed in front of Caldwells crouched

body, shielding him. He thought Tylers behavior was unnecessary. Tyler turned his focus on

him and reared his fisted right hand, ready to punch Kyle.

No, someone shouted, getting in between Tyler and Kyle in time. Her delicate, olive-

skinned hand shoved Tylers fist away.

Whatre you doing here, Maria? Tyler snarled.


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What do you think? Maria scoffed at him. You cant just punch people. Kyle formed

a small smile, glancing at Maria from behind her long, black hair. He smelled her elegant,

flowery fragrance.

Whydo you care? Theyre nobody, Tyler replied. His brother murdered one of the

Hausefalles. The Hausefalles, Maria!

I know that, Tyler, Maria fired at him. But Kyle didnt do anything. Why are you

punishing him for something he didnt do? You need togo right now.

Or else what? Tyler said, sneering at Kyle, itching to get him.

Or else Ill report this to my father, Maria said, raising an eyebrow at him.

Tyler thought for a nanosecond before he backed away, staring at her. Fine!Then Tylerglanced at both Kyle and Caldwell. You losers are lucky this time. Tyler chuckled at the sight

of Caldwell, but he and Aiken strolled away. The crowds followed suit, leaving Maria, Kyle, and

Caldwell alone.

Is he all right? Maria asked, kneeling next to Caldwell, who remained on the ground,

moaning. Kyle knelt on his other side, checking on his friend.

Lets get him up and take him to the nurse, Maria said and was about to lift Caldwells

left arm when he snapped at her.

He glowered at her. I dont need your help,

Maria backed away, surprised. She looked from Caldwell to face Kyle.

Its okay. Ill handle it, Kyle said to her, flashing a timid smile.

Okay, Maria replied and cast a side smile at him before she sauntered away down thehallway. Kyle watched her for a while.Its a good thing her dad is the principal of this stupid

school, he thought. He turned his attention to Caldwell.

Im fine, Im fine. Caldwell groaned in pain, attempting to get up on his own.

Eventually, he stood on both legs, still rubbing his navel area. Kyle stooped and pick up both the

newspaper piece and the binder.

Here. Kyle held the binder in front of him. In anger, Caldwell snatched it away. Kyle

knew his anger wasnt aimed toward him, but at the fact that Tyler hurt him and got away with it.

Come on. Ill walk you to your locker, Kyle said.This is why Im going to gain some muscle, Caldwell said, his eyebrows furrowed.

Im not going to let that happen to me again. Kyle didnt say anything, but he agreed with him.

He couldnt rely on luck to protect him from Tyler or anyone else that might want to mess with

him.


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Look, Kyle, Im fine. You dont have to follow me the rest of the way, Caldwell said,

then stared at Kyles left hand. Caldwell jabbed at what Kyle held. He had forgotten that he still

held the newspaper clipping.

You know its because of her that our lives are now worse than ever, he announced

with such hatred in his voice. Her lies caused this. See you later.

Yeah, see you later, Kyle replied as he stopped walking. Caldwell went on.

Kyle looked at the newspaper. The medium-sized picture, on the other side of thenewspaper clipping, revealed a sixteen-year-old girl with thick, black-rimmed glasses. This

photo was obviously her high school picture. The little, printed words beneath the photo

basically said Rachel Evans was a town hero, as she outsmarted two intruders and rescued two of

the Hausefalles children. Kyle glared at the picture; Rachels brown eyes stared back, almostlike she was mocking him. His eyebrows furrowed at her, his forehead wrinkled. And with all his

energy he could muster, Kyle crumbled the newspaper into a ball. He then turned around and

headed back to his locker, thrusting the crushed paper into the large trash bin.

Chapter One

At the Fountain

Four years later

Rachel sat quietly as she and twenty-five people sat in a circle in a spacious room

reserved for them. She listened attentively to the fellow male member that wore jeans and a plainT-shirt as he shared his testimony for this week. After he was done, everyone said amen and

thanked God for what he had done in his life. Then they all stood up from their plastic, green

chair. Rachel did likewise, removing her Bible from her lap and placing it back into her school

bag. She held the hands of the person that stood at each of her sides. The members formed acircle as they closed their eyes and the leader for today started to pray. After some minutes, he

was done. Everyone opened their eyes, released their hands, and started talking among each

other.

I guess you cant come over to the caf, a heart-faced, umber-skinned female named

Josie said to Rachel. A hair band pulled back her thick, brown curly hair that twirled to her

shoulders.I have to study with some classmates right now, Rachel replied.I wish I could come

along.

Next time, then, Josie said. Rachel waved good-bye and strapped her backpack on her

right shoulder.


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Pushing the glass door open, the squally wind bashed at her body, but Rachel came

prepared as she tightened her black pea coat around her body. It kept her slightly warm. She trod

the pathway leading to the main college ground.

It had been a year since she transferred from Dartmouth College. She loved her

experience at Dartmouth, but the college just wasnt right for her. So after much research anddeliberation on her options, Rachel decided to attend Dame West University. The business

program was to her liking.

Rachel glimpsed at her watch; she had twenty minutes to get to the library. She passed

through two, tall college boys wearing sweatpants and shirts. One of them stuffed a basketballunderneath his arm. They seemed to be heading toward the campus recreation and wellness

building nearby.

Rachel picked up the pace. Several strands of her dark-brownish hair lashed across her

thick-rimmed glasses. She raked her hair back, attempting to clear the strands from her view. Her

phone rang in her right pocket. She dug for it.

Hello, she said. It was one of her study group members, Eugene, pestering her on

whether she was on her way.

Yes, Im coming. Dont start without me, Rachel said. Eugene replied with an all right

and hung up his phone. Rachels cell was back in her pocket. She took another quick peek at herwatch. Her group had arrived earlier than they planned. With ten more minutes until she reached

the library, Rachel knew she would be the last one to arrive.

After crossing a main road, she neared a major lecture building. From the corner of her

eyes, a crowd of students gushed out of the building, their lecture concluded. Straight ahead, atthe opposite side of the long, bricked promenade, stood the faade of the library. A flood of

students sauntered to and fro on the pathway. Rachel was now in the mix, approaching thedistant, grand building. The waning sun shone in the clear blue sky. On occasion, the wind blewheavily. At both sides of the promenade, numerous students scattered on the perfect green

trimmed lawn. A group of six sat on the grass in a circle, reading something. A pair of lanky,

male students tossed a football at each other. One of them almost crashed into a female runner asshe jogged one of the small pathways zigzagging across the lawn. Rachel slightly laughed at the

way she gazed angrily at them.

It was a minute or so before she reached the front concrete steps of the library, climbing

them quickly. A bed of lavender flowers bloomed at both sides of the steps. The automatic

sliding doors opened at her arrival. The warm air soothed her as she unbuttoned her pea coat. Sheremembered what floor the group was meeting at as she paced herself to the elevator section of

the library. Once inside, she pressed the third floor button. The elevator stopped at the second

floor and in came a bald-headed professor with a stack of papers in both his hands. He nodded a

greeting at Rachel and she replied with a simple good afternoon. When they reached her floor,

she got off.

In front of her were scattered round tables accompanied by padded chairs. Students hadalready seized most of the tables, making it difficult for Rachel to spot her group immediately. A

throng of mumbling sounds filled the room as Rachel began the search for her study group.


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Just in time, a femalewith a slight Indian accent called to Rachel from the far corner of

the room. Her violet sweater caught Rachels attention. Shenoticed she wore her soft, black hair

in an elegant, poof style. She glimpsed at her red cell phone before looking at Rachel once again.

Hello, Leena, Rachel said to her.

We got a lot to cover. The professor isnt planning on curving this one ,the freckled,squared chin, young man that sat opposite Leena said. His jar-ears held rimless glasses. Hegestured Rachel to the only empty seat between him and Leena Gupta. The empty seat also was

directly opposite Fisher Miller, the only person not to have acknowledged Rachels presence

(His head was buried in his statistics textbook, reading). Rachel went over and sat down. She

fumbled into her backpack and got out her textbook.

They began to speak among each other around the circular table. Eugene kept insisting atFisher that chapter seven wasnt covered enough in class, hence wouldnt be in the exam. Rachel

agreed with him also. He cast a quick smirk at her and went back to his textbook. Rachel liked

him, and maybe in another life or universe she wouldve liked for him to ask her out, but she was

pleased this wasnt the case. The boyfriend she currently has is perfect for her; she wouldnttrade anything in this world for him. Not even another life.

I didnt take notes last Wednesday. Can I see yours, Rachel? Leena asked. Rachel

leafed through the pages of her notebook and opened to the section she took notes on that day.

She handed them over to Leena. Rachel then questioned Fisher on whether he understood acertain section in the textbook that the professor emphasized in class. Fisher nodded his head and

explained it to her. They quietly studied for one and a half hour when Rachels cell phone rang.

Rachel got up, with the premise to find somewhere private. At the other corner of the room,

without anyone there, Rachel answered it.

Dominic, what is it? Rachel mouthed as quietly as possible. From the other end,

Dominic asked her to meet him at the fountain in twenty minutes.

But Im studying, she hissed. Dominic hesitated before he spoke again.

Its important, he stated with his smooth, elegant voice. By his tone, Rachel knew he

wasnt kiddingaround. She thought about it for a second, glancing toward her study group, then

looked away. She sighed in frustration before agreeing to meet him there. She shut her phone off

and went back to the table.

Ive to go, you guys, Rachel alerted them. They all removed their gaze from their

textbooks or notebooks and faced Rachel.

Okay, were just about to leave also, Eugene said.Leena has class coming soon andFisher needs a break, so I guess well call or email each other on when wellmeet again.

Sure, Rachel replied, happy they werent upset by her abrupt departure.

Here are the formulas. Leena handed a sheet of paper to Rachel.

Thanks a lot, she responded. She grabbed her backpack from the ground and shifted the

chair close to the table. She waved them all good-bye and paced her way to the elevator.


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Entering it, she pressed the level-one button. She was alone in the elevator so she

checked her reflection on the door. With swift motions, she raked the top and sides of her dark-

brownish hair, followed by straightening her glasses. Her face looked slightly thin, but Rachelsoon swept the thought aside. This upcoming exam is stressful enough.The elevator dinged

before parting open. She stepped on the brown-carpeted floor, passing rows of students typing on

brand-new computers along a long table.

She jetted out of the library and arrived into the warm, fresh smell of the late afternoon.

A few students lay on the grass, socializing. Rachel strode quickly as she glanced at the time onher cell phone. She was supposed to be at the grand fountain in twenty minutes, and eight

minutes had already passed. She knew she was going to be late and hoped Dominic wouldnt be

upset. She began to jog, happy she wore her blue-and-gray striped running shoes today. Her cell

phone rang and without checking who it was, she answered it and spoke.

Dominic, Ill be there.Imgoing to be latoh, hi, Leena, Rachel said, feeling stupid.

You forgot your binder, Leena said.

Whatreally? Rachel said, surprised shed done this; she wasnt this careless. Could

you keep it for me and Ill get it in class. I really cant come back.

Okay, Leena replied.

Thanks, Rachel said, but Leena hung up before she did.

Rachel looked straight ahead; the fountain was in view. The edges were perfectly bricked

square for anyone to sit on and do whatever, but few scattered on it for now. Getting closer, shenoticed Dominics cropped, black curly hair. His back was facing her. He wore a moss-green

short-sleeve shirt and Rachel barely saw his gray, linen pants as she crept closer to him. Within

the squared fountain, here and there, were rushes of water shooting up like geysers. It was abeautiful sight to the eyes, but Rachel had gotten used to seeing it.

As Rachel was close enough to him, Dominic spun around, as if something signaled to

him she was drawing close. He cast an inviting smile at her.

Sorry I couldntbe here on time. I was studying, Rachel said as she arrived and then

perched at the stony edge of the fountain, facing him.

Ifigured, he said, scooting closer to her. He grabbed both of her hands and massaged

them. She held his caramel-skinned hand and gently looked into his brown eyes. She couldntbelieve shed met such a wonderful person. He looked right back into hers. He lifted her left

hand and flipped it, glancing at her scarred palm. Rachel swiftly retracted it from him,embarrassed.

What? Dominic said, stunned by her action.

I dont really like when people stare at it, Rachel answered, her moody eyes downcast.

Dominic went after her left hand. At first, Rachel refused, but when she stared into his gentleeyes, she let him have it. After Dominic took it, he drew her hand near to his lips. He flipped it

around and planted a soft kiss on her scarred palm.


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I love you more so for your imperfections, Dominic said. He let go of her hand and a

warm smile slowly crept on her face. She then gazed at her palm, remembering how she got the

scar.

Her mind took her back four years ago, when she was just a teenager, a sophomore in

high school to be precise. It was a Friday and she had to tutor a classmate of hers, AliciaHausefalle was her name. She was a popular girl at Wedds High. Rachel went over to Alicias

house and tutored her all night, till two strangers arrived. These strangers intruded and somehow

the security system, called House Trap, locked everyone inside the house. One of the intrudersfilled the indoor swimming pool with gas and flamed it. He dragged Rachel toward the pool,

trying to shove her in as she fought against him. Fortunately, Rachels entire body wasnt burned

to death, but, alas, the left palm of her hand was.

Rachel had told Dominic about her past once and asked him not to bring it up again. So

far Dominic respected her wishes, and even now that he couldve brought it up as a subject ofconversation, he didnt. Rachel snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Dominics alluring

voice again.

You know what today is right? he said. He waited for her to answer. Rachel

narrowed her eyes at him. His response to her reaction was disbelief, as he was taken aback.

You dont rememb Before he could finish what he wanted to say, Rachel cut him off

with her eyes wide open.

Oh no, I forgot. This is our first anniversary of the day we met each other, at this very

spot, Rachel said. She quickly went toward Dominic, placed both of her hands on his cheeks,and gave him a quick kiss, twice on the lips, then drew back as she said, Happy anniversary. I

cant believe I forgot its today.

Rachels eyes blinked rapidly in embarrassment. Dominic only smirked at her reactionand with his right hand, he went behind his back and brought out a perfect square box and

stretched it toward Rachel. Rachel hesitated, then said, You really didnt have to give me

I wanted to, Dominic said. Rachel took it away from his hands and opened it, gasping.

Dominic I love it. She raised it up. It was a silver necklace with an intertwined R and

D and a heart encircling both. It sparkled against the soft sunrays.

Please help me put it on, Rachel said with a gleeful smile. She gave him the necklace

and turned around. Dominic approached closer; the necklace leaped over her head and onto her

chest. Dominic clipped the end of the necklace together.

Here, he said quietly. Rachel turned around and on the lap of Dominic was a lunch

basket. Rachel shifted her eyes to him, wondering what it was.

Were going to have a picnic, he said.

Rachels heart melted immediately. Dominic, you really didnt have to do this. She feltguilty she didnt have something to give him. He opened the basket lid and brought out a plastic-

wrapped club sandwich.


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I wanted to, he said with a warm smile as he distributed the sandwich to her. From the

basket, he brought out two candles and set them right in between them. With his lighter, he

flamed the candle stubs.

This is really romantic, Rachel said, almost in tears. Shed never been treated this way

before.

They spoke to each other for an hour. Neither Rachel nor Dominic realized they were

alone. Their conversation left them unaware of their surroundings.

Its going to get dark, Dominic said, tilting his head toward the sky. He went back to

staring at Rachel.

Yeah, youre right. Rachel glanced up and then locked onto his eyes. Thanks for all of

this.

He stretched his hand toward her head. Rachel was puzzled by his action. His thumb

rubbed at the corner of her lips.

You had some mayo, he said. Rachel smirked with embarrassment.

I bet it irritated you staring at it, Rachel said.

It did, he admitted, chuckling lightly. Come on, Ill walk you to your car. He got up,

picked up both candles, and blew them out. He placed the candles, napkins, and everything else

into the basket and reached for his backpack.

Give me the basket; Ill carry it for you, Rachel said.

You dont need to, Dominic replied.

Its the least I can do. I gave you nothing. I forgot about the day we first met eachother, Rachel said. Guilt ran through her veins. She didnt think she deserved such a precious

necklace. Please, let me do something for you.

Dominic kissed her forehead. Your love is all I need. Its really okay. Really. He then

gave her the basket and she happily took it from him.

Oh yeah, I need to get my bike first, Rachel said. Its at my workplace.

When will you give up that bike, Rachel? Dominic said in a half-joking, half-serious

manner.

When gas becomes cheap! Rachel joked back. Shed long given up on her car (hermother took it back home for her) since the price of gas rose very high last year. And since shestarted riding her bike, she loved it. Rachel wasnt the only one that took up this new habit; a

couple other campus dwellers did likewise.

Okay, Dominic said, rolling his eyes at her unwavering decision. Well get your bike

and Ill put it in the boot of my car.


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Thats sounds like a plan, Rachel replied with a thin smile. As they strolled along the

sidewalk, their conversation went toward their classes. Dominic voiced how he hated his

professor for giving them loads of online assignments this week. Rachel rubbed his back in

concern and then they both entangled their fingers, walking closer to each other.

Within twenty minutes, they reached the rack where Rachels bike was hitched,untouched. From there, with Rachel rolling her bike and Dominic by her side, they reached the

campus parking garage. They took the elevator to the fifth floor where his SUV was parked.

Dominic unlocked the boot and gently placed the bicycle inside. Meanwhile, Rachel placed the

basket in the backseat.

Lets roll, Dominic said playfully.

Yeah, lets roll, Rachel said, going along with his silliness.

Chapter Two

Dead Ringer

On the road, Rachel idly played with her necklace. Her mind reflected on when she firstmet Dominic. It was at that very fountain that Rachel studied when she got bored at the library or

when she needed some fresh air. She was writing her draft paper for a project for Professor

Taines class. Josie called her to see if she wanted to hang out. Rachel asked if she would meet

her instead and she agreed. When Josie arrived at the fountain, Rachel noticed she gripped arectangular, black case in her right hand. She didnt bother to question her about it as Josie sat

next to her on the fountain edge and began to chat. Josie announced that her first cousin, Shantel,

was having her wedding this coming weekend. They were talking about the wedding dress and

how the couple met when Dominic arrived. Rachel thought nothing of him at first. She assumedit was just one of Josies friends that happened to be around.

Heres your saxophone, Josie said, pointing at the big black box. Its good as new

from the shop.

Thanks, he replied and glanced atRachel before picking up the saxophone. Shantel

wants to speak with you.

Then she can call me; she knows my number, Josie replied.

She tried several times, but she said you didnt answer, Dominic replied. Josie

narrowed her eyes, puzzled. She then groped for her phone in her backpack.Oh no, its dead, Josie said. Can I borrow yours? she asked Dominic.

Sure, he replied, removing his phone from his left pocket. Josie took it and told Rachel

she would be back.

Dominic sat right on the fountain edge and took the initiative to speak to her. Rachelthought he seemed sweet and friendly, as he, with curiosity, asked what she was writing. For a


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while they spoke to each other, forgetting about Josie. It was from their conversation that Rachel

discovered Dominic wasnt Josies friend, but her brother, her fraternal twin brother. Thought

Josie discussed she was involved in her church a lot in both her adolescent and teen years, shehadnt told Rachel she was a preachers kid. Rachel asked Dominic about his saxophone and he

told her his major was music and he got a scholarship to attend this school. He also informed her

he played in a jazz club. Rachel was instantly intrigued with him, and she thought he was alsointrigued as he invited her to their next jazz gig at the student pub. Josie finally came back after

twenty-five minutes, disappointed.

She wants me to help her choose another bridesmaids dress, Josie said, upset. Can

you believe it?

I have nothing to say about it, Dominic said with a smirk. Rachel was attracted to his

smile already. He said bye before he stood up, and Josie returned his cell and took his place.

Sorry about leaving you with him, Josie said to her. I hope he wasnt annoying.

No, Rachel said, smitten. Not at all.

Are you okay? Josie asked her.

Why didnt you tell me you had a brothera twin, might I add? Rachel said swiftly,

hoping she detracted Josie from her previous question.

I thought I did, didnt I? Josie said.

No, you didnt, Rachel said. They talked about it for a short moment, then diverged to

another subject. The last thing Rachel asked Josie before she left her at the fountain was

Dominics phone number.

After Rachels mind stepped off of memory lane, she realized she was already at herapartment complex, which wasnt far from school. Most of the people that lived in the complex

were students just like herself. Rachel handed her access card to Dominic as he lowered his

drivers window and swiped it at a metal box. Rachel retrieved from him as they waited for the

double iron gates to squeak open.

Rachel glanced at the sky from the windshield; it was now completely dark. At both sidesthe streetlights shone down on the road within and outside the complex. The gate parted and

Dominic drove inside, taking a right turn. The apartment faades were to the left side while the

carport-like parking lot was on the right.

Rachel strapped on her backpack and stepped out while Dominic lifted her bike out of the

boot. The silver necklace dangled on her neck as Rachel gave it one last touch and walked to theback of the car. They gave each other a light kiss on the lips before they departed. He got back in

his car and gave her a small good-bye wave before he drove on.

Today ended perfectly, Rachel thought with a gentle smile, staring at his car leaving the

complex. She, with her bike, crossed the road and stepped onto the thin, cemented pathway. Theapartment complex was three stories tall. In the courtyard was a swimming pool squared in by

iron, bronze-painted fence. Rachel glanced at the area and noticed no one was around.


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Creepy, she mouthed to herself, feeling a bit spooked. Home sweet home, she said

quietly as she unlocked her door with her key.

Inside, she glanced at her decent, green couch and vintage coffee table. She set the key

onto the table and placed the backpack aside. She sighed. The thoughts of upcoming exams now

lingered in her mind. It overturned the lovely day she had with Dominic. A bit thirsty, shestepped into the kitchenette and grabbed a rosy-patterned glass from the cabinet. She poured

herself some water before she put the jar back in the refrigerator. Before reaching the parlor, the

iron shelf that stood against the wall between the kitchenette and parlor caught her eyes. Sheturned toward it and sipped the water before gazing at the various intricately designed picture

frames on the top few shelves. Midway down were books upon books on various subjects,

mainly her textbooks from both the past and present.

With her free hand, she gripped the picture of her mother, her brother Alex, and herself. It

was the one her mother forced them to take before she left for college. Itd been two weeks or sosince Rachel phoned her mother or brother. And about two months since both her mother and

brother flew across the state to visit her. From what she heard, her little brother is becoming

quite the athlete in his school soccer team. Hes the captain, in fact. Rachels mother told her hewas enjoying his high school experience more so than Rachel ever did. Hes also getting straight

As in school like she did. Rachel somewhat envied her little brother for being talented bothphysically and mentally. However, she was ultimately proud of him. Rachel smirked at the

picture before she placed it back.

The next picture was of her father and a low-cheekbone, strawberry blond-haired womanbeside himRachels stepmother. Rachel liked her and the feeling was mutual. Rachels

stepmother got along with her brother and her mother as well. Rachel shifted her eyes to the

photo where she wore her graduation grown, smiling like the world was her oyster. Beside her

was her best friend Kristen, also beaming with joy. Rachel smirked, missing the times she had

with her high school friend despite the fact she stressed about her grades most of the time.Kristen was always patient with her and tried to calm her down. Now, Kristen resides in

Baltimore, Maryland, going to college to be a nurse. Rachel called her every now and then, but

lately, neither of them had called each other. Rachel understood she was busy with school too.

The next picture was the Hausefalle family in Hawaii. Mrs. Hausefalle donned an aqua-

blue, flower-printed sarong and bikini top while Mr. Hausefalle sported a plain white-gray shirt

and pants with a straw hat. Their children, Nathan and Amy, wore colorful shirt and shorts. Only

the females wore haku over their head, but they all wore flowery leis and a sunny smile. Thephoto backdrop was the bluest, shimmering ocean with whirling palm trees. Rachel, too, phoned

them, as she considered them an extended family of a sort. However, she hadnt spoken to them

in five months. She knew everything was fine with them.

Rachel drank her glass of water and noticed it was already halfway gone. She then went

to the next picture, which was the one with her, Josie, and a perky girl (a friend of Josie) at thebeach for a charity event. Their arms draped around each others necks, blissfully happy. That

was the day Josie informed Rachel of her parentage, that her father is a mixture of African-

American and Creole, while her mother is Swedish.


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Rachel emptied the glass before she gazed with starry eyes at the last picture. It was a

picture of her and Dominic, at a college park, in their workout gear, next to a beautiful oak tree.

They were glued to each other, smiling. Rachel loved the picture and subconsciously her fingerrubbed against the glass, across Dominics face with such admiration. She never knew she could

love someone this much. She then removed her finger and placed the picture back on the rack.

She strolled away with her empty glass.

Arriving at the parlor, she placed the glass on the coffee table. Rachel thought about

watching a little bit of television; it would get her mind off of the deluge of work she needed todo. Rachel sat on the couch as a low squeaking noise followed. She once hated that sound, the

sound of how frugal she was, but over time she got over it. With the remote in her right hand, she

flicked on the television. The first thing that came on was a classic television show and she knew

it was on the oldies channel. Quickly, she flicked through the channels till something caught herattention. It was the local campus channel. Rachel left it there. A thin, stubble-faced police

officer was speaking to a nebbish, male student reporter. They both seemed to be in a sullen

mood; clearly something bad had occurred. They both embodied what any viewer expected from

a news broadcast.

students should not panic at all, the policeman said with a slight, raspy voice. This

doesnt seem to be a homicide.

Thank you, officer, the male reporter said before he spoke to the camera. And now

well show you the picture of female student discovered dead in her vehicle just miles away from

campus.

Rachel shot up from the couch, her face aghast. The photo of the person almost overtook

the television screen. Her slender, exquisite face stared back at Rachel. Her wavy, long blondhair swept on her shoulders. Rachel didnt know what to say, as she was stunned that the victim

was a dead ringer for Alicia Hausefalle, the popular girl from Rachels high school. Alicia never

made it to senior year, as she passed away. Now, staring at Alicias lookalike, Rachel slowly

retracted to the couch, unknowingly placing her hand over her mouth in shock.

She left a strange note before she killed herself, the policeman stated. If anyone might

know what she meant by this,please call the authorities. We want to make sure she isnt

mentioning anyone else that might be taking the same action. The policeman gazed at the paper

and read it carefully.

You know who I look like. You know that Imthe first to die. Three REmain, so better be

ready.

Were currently contacting her friends to see what this means. Were making sure her

friends arent taking the same route also. So if anyone knows of her friends who might be

depressed, please contact the authorities.

Thank you very much, officer, the male reporter said with an awkward voice and faced

the camera. Ms. Caroline Duken will be missed This is Vick Humber with the news. Now

back to


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Rachel switched the television off. Her fingers trembled her face crowded with worry.

She strolled to and fro the parlor, pondering. Her intuition immediately told her something was

off. Something in her being told her that Caroline Duken didnt kill herself. She knew themessage wasnt a suicide note warning them of more suicide attempts. The message was for

her. It was so obvious, but Rachel wasnt too surprise the police officer didnt catch it. The

message was supposed to make sense to her and her alone.

That girl, Caroline, didnt commit suicide,Rachel thought repeatedly. She was murdered.

She was murdered. Rachel then recounted what she read from the screen.

You know who I look like, Rachel muttered to herself. Clearly this person foundsomeone on campus that resembled Alicia (and he succeeded in his search) and finished her.

That girl is Alicia; it was as if Rachel were looking at her identical twin. The only difference was

Caroline had a slight dimple on her face and her hair was less wavy.

You know Imthe first to die, Rachelmuttered again. The message was quite easy to

decode. The person clearly knew Alicia was the first person to be killed at the Hausefalles

house.

Three REmain, better be ready. The three were clearly Rachel, Nathan, and Amy. Thekiller was mentioning them. But the only strange thing about the note was that the person wore

RE in big letters. Why were they capitalized?Rachel thought and sure enough, the answer

came to her, knocking the breath out of her.

R-E, she said quietly.Its my initials., R-E, Rachel Evans. Rachel didnt know what

else to say or do.Is this really happening?Alertly, Rachel hurried toward her curtained windowand took a peek outside, to see if anyone lurked around the premises. Rachel only noticed a

female Asian student as she dragged her roll-on luggage down the cement pathway. Rachel let go

of the curtain, enclosing the window. She didnt know what to make of this. She went to get her

empty glass on the coffee table and then halted herself to a standstill.

Maybe Im wrong, Rachel said quietly, realization in hertone. She wanted to be wrong.

Maybe she was over thinking this. Maybe Caroline Duken really did kill herself and the note was

nothing more than her sad conclusion of life. This new thought somewhat released the tension

that robbed her body.

Maybe I read too much into it. It was just a coincidence that the girl looked just likeAlicia. Maybe she really did kill herself and left an odd note, Rachel thought. The more she

thought of it, the more it eased her fear. She heaved a deep breath and accepted this explanation.

All this had made her tired. She needed to get some rest.

After she took a quick shower and donned her pajama shorts and a rosy-red Dame WestUniversity T-shirt. She slid under her blanket and closed her eyes. She pushed her tense thoughtsaway as she drifted to sleep, yet a pinch of doubt remained. Rachel hoped it would be gone by

the morning.

***


18/145

Rachel yawned, stretching her arms as she rose halfway from the bed. The window to her

left revealed the morning sun, which shined brightly among thin clouds. She glanced at the duck-

shaped clock that Alex gave to her as her high school graduation present. She loved it.

10:00a.m.!! She jetted up from the bed. She forgot to set the alarm and then she

remembered why she forgot to do that in the first place: the sobering news. She tried to wipe itfrom her mind again. She didnt have the time to bathe. She dashed to the bathroom and quickly

brushed her teeth. She grabbed her black jeans and a sleeveless ash-gray top from her helter-

skelter cupboard. She rushed back to the nightstand and opened the drawer to get her wallet andglasses. With her glasses on, she took her hairbrush from the sink pulling it through her tangles

as she snatched her backpack and rushed out the door.

This very predicament made Rachel extremely glad to find a place close to campus. It

took her about ten minutes to arrive. She locked her bike at a rack near the building. She entered

and rushed the rest of the way, almost running into a couple. Hey! Watch it! Rachel heard thefemale scream behind her. Rachel shouted an apology without looking back as she picked up her

pace, zigzagging through the crowded hallway.

She arrived at the room and pushed open one of the double doors. Her forehead was slick

with sweat and her heart pounded. She wiped it with her left arm before she found her class and

went inside.

Youre seven minutes late, Miss Evans, Professor Castillo said with a hard voice. She

stood in the center aisle.

Sorry, Professor, Rachel said, approaching her. She stared at the paper, yearning to takethe exam. She also hoped she didnt forget valuable information that would help her pass. A few

students shifted their eyes from their paper to Rachel, either acknowledging her disruption or

curious by what occurred between her and the professor.

And youreright about that, Miss Evans. For that, youll have a five-point deduction,.she said sternly, then flashed the exam paper at her. Rachel bit her lip in frustration. She took it

from his hand and searched for an empty seat. The class wasnt as full as it was when school

started, due to some students dropping out. Also, Professor Castillo was known as one of the

toughest professors in the department.

Sitting down, she felt defeated already. She couldnt afford to miss any question now.She said a little prayer and rejected her negative thoughts before she focused on her paper,

leaving her surroundings behind and her mind searching for the right information to the

Corporate Finance questions in front of her. Even when she faced a difficult question, Rachelbelieved that no manner how it turned out, she would do very well. Her mind drifted in exam

world, blocking out everything else, expecting excellence.

An hour and ten minutes passed and she was done. After turning her paper in, Rachel

heaved a sigh and walked down the middle aisle with three other brain-tired students as they left

the room. Halfheartedly, Rachel headed to her next class: Advanced Accounting with Professor

Cartwright.


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Chapter Three

A Friendly Stroll

After getting out of Professor Cartwrights class, Rachel got a call from Josie. She asked

her if she wanted to hang around at Mooses burger joint. Since she was off of work today,

Rachel agreed to do so. Besides, she needed a bit of leisure after the pedantic accounting lecture.She pedaled herself across campus toward the Student Center where several clogged stores

resided.

She entered the building that stood beside the bookstore and the billiard room. She

immediately spotted Josie from a distance, in a booth against the pale yellow wall filled with

vintage posters. Rachel flashed a quick wave of hello before she sat on the padded brown-leatherseat. She then scooted a bit inward to be right opposite Josie, who tried to stifle her joy for some

reason. Rachel did her best to hide her concerns as she gazed at what Josie ordered: a plate of

french fries and a juicy chicken burger.

Oh, I cant hold it any longerI got the internship! she announced.

You got it? Rachel yelped, almost as excited as Josie. She knew how hard it was to get

an internship in the fashion industry in New York. Im so happy for you. Rachel rose up from

her seat and Josie did likewise. They gave each other a quick hug before sitting back down.

Oh, forget about me, Josie shrugged off the subject of her internship. How was itthespecial occasion with my brother? What did he do? Josie then picked up a French fry and

absently dipped it in the small pond of ketchup at the edge of the plate.

Well, he took meto the place we first met, at the fountain, and we ate over there. Hemade me sandwiches. Your brother is quite the romantic, Rachel said, memories flooding backof that day. Josie almost choked on her fries in her mouth. She took her time to swallow before

she spoke.

Huh? Josie said, dropping the other half of the fry on the plate. I cant believe he went

all cheap on you and made you some picnic sandwich and called it a day.

Jo, I liked it. It was more intimate that way, Rachel answered with dreamy eyes. I liked it a

lot.

I ought to call his cheap butt and tell him hes wrong, Josie replied. He shouldve

taken you to a restaurant or somewhere elegant. I mean, the way he talks about you is as if youwere his high school sweetheartno, scratch that, the love of his lifeand all he did was make

you a sandwichat a fountain?

Josie,I loved ithe knows me well, Rachel responded.He knew I wouldnt be that

impressed if he took me to a fancy restaurant. And besides, he got me this.Rachel removed the

necklace from beneath her shirt and paraded it in front of Josie.


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Thats decent of him. Josie shrugged before she picked up the half-gone fry, dipped it

in the ketchup, and chewed on it. Well, as long as you both enjoyed it, then its none of my

business.Josie now grabbed her chicken burger to eat, but before she took a bite out of it, she

said, Ihave to say hes very fond of you. Ive never seen him this way with a girl.

Likewise, Rachel replied.Ive never felt this way before I met him. Rachel didntreally date often. She rarely dated in her high school years because of her focus on her studies.

At her prom, she went with a friend whom she hasnt spoken to in the last three years. Dominic

was her first serious boyfriend.

I think youre like the first girl he might Josie stopped herself, almost stunned by

what she was about to say. Let me not jinx it. She took a huge bite out of her burger.

Jinx what? Rachel asked.

Arent you going to eat? Josie said, realizing she was the only one eating among the

two.

Im not hungry, Rachel replied, guessing Josie wanted to change the subject, butRachel wasnt in the mood to egg her on.

Youre sure, Josie said, prying with her eyes.

Im good, really, Rachel replied.

Okay Anyways, how was your exam? Josie said.

I got there late, but I think I did all right, Rachel replied.

Oh yeah, Josie said alertly, like a thought popped in her head. Did you hear about that

girlforgot her name, but she committed suicide? She placed her burger back on the plate, thenpicked up a napkin from its tin holder and wiped the edges of her mouth.

I heard it on the campus channel, Rachel said softly. She wondered whether she should

tell Josie about her theory on the suicide note.

Someone told me about it. My goodness, its horrible. And the note, what a strange note

she left, Josie said.

Uh-huh, Rachel replied weakly.She removed her eyes from Josie and gazed at the saltand pepper dispensers on the table. The feeling she felt earlier plagued her. Rachel became

worried she might be right. Someone might have killed Caroline. Rachel wondered whether to

tell Josie about how similar Caroline looked like Alicia Hausefalle.

Are you okay?You look pale, Josie said with narrowed eyes, examining her body

language.

Im fine. Rachel faced her againwith an exaggerated smile.

Oh, okay, Josie said, shrugging her suspicion away. She picked up another fry and

dipped it.


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I have to tell her what I really think about her death,Rachel thought. Josie

Yes? Josie answered, looking away from the burger.

I-I Rachel stuttered, her worried eyes downcast.

Is something bothering you? Josie said, not sure what Rachel wanted to say.

YesI meanYes, II have to get going, Rachel said, suddenly jetting from the

seat, which made Josie flinch.

Rachel? Whats going on? Josie said.

Sorry, Josie, Rachel said, quickly grabbing her backpack. Ill see you later, she

added.

Okay, Josie replied with her right eyebrow cocked as Rachel rushed outside.

When the glass door closed behind her, Rachel puffed out a breath of relief. She was

certain it wasnt time. It was too soon to assume someonefrom her past might be after her. Too

early to jump to conclusions. The last thing she wanted to do was scare Josie to death.How

about Dominic?She knew it would be difficult not to share this with him. But she already made

her decision. She decided not to tell him, either. She didnt want him to be worried sick for her,

especially when she wasnt certain.

For the rest of the week, Rachel resisted the urge to call Dominic and inform him of her

feelings about the death of Caroline. When Saturday came, she was ready to do her regular

morning jog in the campus park. The park wasnt too far from her apartment, and she biked over.The park was somewhat large with several paths for joggers and pedestrians to move around.

From a distance, the trees thickened, making a forest, but the faade of the park was low grasses

with multicolored flowers that brightened the scenery. After she locked her bike by the pole, sheheaded to the front bench, the one that faced the parking lot. Dominic was already there, waiting.

They both stretched their bodies before starting their jog.

Rachel and Dominic jogged along the pathway that snaked around the park. Some people

lagged, mostly walking and talking. The sun shined away from them while the soothing wind

lessened the sweat on their face as they both arched their arms, picking up the pace. They joggedfor thirty minutes before they approached the western corner of the park, where the thick forest

stood. They decided to take a breather and walk. Coming opposite their direction was a sprightly

couple on a red tandem bicycle.

We should get one of those, Rachel said after the couple swept by them. Wed be

adorable on it.

Yeahno, Dominic replied. Dont think so.

Why not? Rachel said with a coaxing smile.

That smile is not going to work on me this time, Dominic answered, playfully jabbing a

finger at her arm.


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Fine. Rachel rolled her eyes at him.Itll make for a great surprise birthday gift though.

A small, sly smile crept across her lips.

Why are you smiling like that? Dominic said with suspicion.

Oh, nothing, Rachel replied.

Ahead stood an orange-and-white striped roadblock sign. Behind the sign, a wide dirt

road continued with the thick forest at its sides. That area, the outskirts of the park, was the only

place that seemed desolate, not taken care of. Rachel stared into the forest and noticed anabandoned house. Rachel remembered Dominic telling her about it. It was once the home of a

fraternity society. The house hadnt been bulldozed because the well-known alumni considered it

a landmark. However, some disagreed and wanted it to be destroyed for safety reasons. Both

sides had gone to court and the trial was currently pending. Rachel turned her eyes from the

house and faced Dominic.

I got my second wind. Lets continue our jog, Rachel said.

Okay, Dominic replied and in no time they continued along the curved pathway thatled them to the northernmost section of the park.

After they both circled around, they sat on the front bench again, resting. When they both

had the energy to get up, Dominic placed her bicycle inside the boot of his car and they both

drove away from the parking lot. Dominic talked about his upcoming jazz competition thefollowing weekend and Rachel couldnt wait to see him perform. He dropped her at her place

and Rachel headed straight inside.

Once she bathed and wore her casual pants and oversized gray sweater, she began her

schoolwork. Within an hour, she was done and she began reading her textbooks to prepare for

Mondays lectures. In a matter of minutes into reading her statistics textbook, Rachel concludedshe needed help understanding it. She knew just the person to callEugene.

Smacking his mouth over the receiverapparently eating somethinghe managed to say

hello. Rachel responded by telling him of her study dilemma. Much to her relief, Eugene told her

he wasnt busy and he could help her out.

For a while they talked about it over the phone, yet Rachel remained perplexed about

certain topics. She asked him if he could meet her at the library instead. He agreed withouthesitating and she thanked him several times before they ended the call. Rachel quickly changed

into more appropriate clothing before she took her backpack and headed out.

On the third floor of the campus library, students scattered everywhere, discussing theirassignments and projects. Rachel and Eugene sat somewhat at the center of the room. The distant

window displayed the late afternoon sky fading to darkness, now ruled by stars. Rachel hadalready stayed for three hours and she was quite happy she understood the material. She knew

the consequences if she didnt get this down. She wouldve planted a kiss on Eugenes cheek in

thanks if she didnt have a boyfriend.


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Thank you so much, Eugene. You have no idea how much you helped me, Rachel said.

Can you imagine going into class without understanding this? I wouldve been far behind.

No problem, Eugene replied. Just being a good study partner.

I appreciate it, Rachel said. She glanced at the window and spoke. Its dark. I think we

better head out.

Yeah, Eugene said and then glanced at his cell, reading the time. I have to be

somewhere. They both packed up their belonging and headed to the elevator. Outside, thescattered lamppost lit some areas while casting shadows and deep darkness in other places.

Rachel strode along with Eugene while she rolled her bike beside her. He parked at the metered

section of campus, close to the main road where Rachel usually crossed to get to her apartment

complex. Now on the stony pavement, Eugene spoke about his younger sister.

Shes wants to go here, he said. Shell start next fall.

What major has she chosen? Rachel asked. The wind whistled a bit, rubbing softly

against her cheeks. Wisps of hair ran across her face as she scooped them away from her lenses.

Education, Eugene replied. His face grew sad as a worried look took over. She wants

to be an elementary teacher. My mother is a teacher as well.

Eugene, whats wrong? Rachel asked, surprised by his sudden face expression.

Shes shes not feeling well, Eugene finally said. Shes in the hospital.

Im sorry, Rachel said, looking genuinely sad. What happened?

She was in a car accident with friends, Eugene said. The driver wasnt paying

attention and ran a red light. Then a vehicle struck them. Luckily, my sister wore her seat belt inthe backseat.

Did anyone die? Rachel asked with great concern.

No, no one died, Eugene said. But theyre in a state of shock. She hasnt really gotten

over it.

Thank God nothing bad happened, Rachel said.

I know, Eugene replied. Thats where Im heading right now, to the hospital to see

her.

Give her my best wishes, Rachel replied.

I will, Eugene replied.

Rachel kept talking to Eugene, quickly changing to a lighter subject. She spoke to him

about how the caf has been since he left and before she knew it, they arrived at the parking

meter. A lamppost beamed down on them.


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Okay, Ill see you in class, then, Eugene said after reaching the drivers side of his aged

vehicle. Rachel left her bike and gave him a quick hug, feeling the concern he had for his sister.

Rachel didnt know how she would take it if such a thing happened to her brother. But beforeRachel let go of him, she noticed someone beside a distant tree. The person, camouflaged in

shadows, appeared like an ominous silhouette. Whoever the person was, they were watching

both of them. Rachel backed away from Eugene, her eyes bulging in fear.

Whats wrong? Eugene said. Rachels eyes went to him and saw his bewildered face

staring back at her. He spun toward the direction Rachels eyes gazed earlier. Rachel, too, shiftedher eyes to the very spot she saw the person. No one was there, just the scattered, dark trees of

the campus grounds.

I thought I saw someone, Rachel replied. Over there. She pointed. Both their eyes

peered into the distant darkness.

Forget about it, Rachel said. You need to get going; you need to see your sister. They

both said good-bye again before he entered his car. Rachel gave a small wave as the car rolled

away. Rachel took one last look at the treed area. No one stood there. The wind picked up a little,whispering as it gave her a frightful chill. Rachel brushed her disquieted feelings aside and

picked up her bike from the ground. She rode a bit faster than usual as she headed home.

Chapter Four

Heartbroken

She reached the apartment complex in fifteen minutes. Once she unlocked the door andentered, for some strange reason she wanted to call her mother, to check up on her. She pressed

the number on her cell and waited as it rang. Her mother didnt answer. Rachel didnt think this

was too alarming. She was probably busy with work. Rachel almost called Alex, but thenthought about how busy he was with school and friends, so she rejected the idea. She wouldve

called her father, but she didnt want to give him any reason to think something might be wrong.

She slouched into the couch and flung her cell phone beside her. She was about to switch

on the television when the phone rang, which made her finch. She glared at it and noticed the

number flashing was an unknown. Rachel wondered who it was as she hesitated, not certain

whether to answer or not. But she went with her gut instinct and picked up her cell, answering it.

Who is it? Rachel said, trying to sound as calm and normal as possible.

Its me, babe, Dominic said. I left my cell at the dorm and I couldnt wait to hear yourvoice so I called you from my friends phone. Ive been practicing with my jazz group.

Yeah, Rachel said with a sigh of relief. So how did your practice go?


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Pretty well, actually, Dominic said. Hopefully well do well at the competition next

SaturdayAre you okay? You sound a bit nervous.

Rachel wasnt too surprised he read her well. The bitsy unease feelings about Carolines

death hadnt fully left her mind; neither hadthat person in the dark. Yet her logical side kept

telling her not to worry about these things.

Theretheres nothing wrong, just tired, thats all, Rachel said, trying to sound relaxed

again.

Okay, hope I didnt wake you up or something, Dominic said. Rachel heard an

incoherent voice that seemed to be talking to Dominic.

No, you didnt. I just got home

Sorry, babe, but I have to go; he wants his cell back. Ill probably call you back when I

get mine.

You dont have to. I think Ill be in bed by then. She yawned, although she wasnt astired as she sounded.

Okay, love you, Dominic said. Every time he said those genuine words, Rachels heart

raced.

Love you back, Rachel replied. He hung up before she did. Slowly, she removed thecell from her ear. She gazed at the television and decided not to watch it. She got up from the

couch and did her nightly routine before she went to sleep.

***

Monday came swiftly and after leaving the library during the early afternoon, Rachelrode her bike to the business building, determined not to be late for the statistics exam. This was

a critical one. She and her study buddies Fisher, Eugene, and Leena had all huddled togetheronce a week for more than four weeks to prepare. Rachel would never forget them for helping

her feel at ease about the exam. She wished all three of her study buddies could be in all her

classes. Her braid swept the back of her sleeveless shirt and she pedaled her bike faster than

usual, passing the rest of the students that strolled along the pavement.

The afternoon weather was sunny with puffy clouds that seized the blue sky. Even if theweather unexpectedly changed its course, Rachel was well prepared. Her plaid umbrella

remained at the side of her bike, ready if needed. The sun seemed shy today as it peeked from

behind the clouds, barely striking its rays. Rachel loved it. She removed her headphones from the

tiny pocket of her backpack and plugged them into both of her ears. She pressed play on herportable music device. Her list of music shuffled and the first random song to seep into her ears

was Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money.

On the campus grounds, Rachel drew close to the business building ahead of her. At the

rack, she locked her bike and ambled into the building. Once inside, Rachel noticed a plump-faced female casting an extremely nervous gaze at her boyfriend who wrapped his arms around

her, rubbing her back while telling her everything was all right. Rachel knew the girl to be a


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classmate and she felt something in the air shifta negative vibe. Rachel knew something

wasnt right. She wondered if she was also nervous about the exam. Rachels soft flip-flops

slapped against the carpeted hallway. She drew closer to the classroom when she noticed

something was odd; most of the students were outside the class.

Maybe the door is locked. The professor isnt letting anyone inside yet, Rachel thought,moving closer. She scanned her classmates for Eugene, Leena, or Fisher. She couldnt spot them.

Rachel noticed a girl crying on the shoulder of another girl while she patted her head in comfort.

It was at this sight, for some odd reason, she realized no one was talking about the upcoming

exam. Everyone seemed gloomy; no one smiled. Rachel narrowed her eyes in confusion.

She excused her way through some lingering students to check whether the main door

was open or not. The door jerked forward, opening. Rachel was now baffled by why everyone

hung around outside, as if the exam wasnt going to start in five minutes. Without questioning

them, Rachel entered. She tried to spot the professor who usually stood by the podium, but

instead, a few students roamed around the classroom. Rachel heard a student crying.

Whats going on? Rachel whispered to herself after she scanned around the room forthe professor. She was unable to find him. Someone then tapped Rachels back and she spun

around. It was Leena.

Thank goodness. Whats going on? Rachel said. Everyones acting strange. Wheres

the professor?

He isnt here, Leena said, looking sad, her eyes puffy with tears.

Leena, are you okay? Rachel asked, realizing she was crying. Whats wrong?

Im okay. It isnt me, Leena said and sniffed her noise quietly. There isnt any exam

today.Really? Rachel said. Her heart slightly leapt with joy, but the scenery didnt make

sense. Most of the students should be happy too. Then why are people looking so sad, like

someone died or something?

Thats because someone died, Leena said. She wiped her nose with a tattered napkin.

With her eyes and mouth open in shock, Rachel said, No, dont tell me Professor

Friddell is de

Its Eugenehes dead, Leena said bluntly. He was murdered.

What! Rachels face transformed from shock into disbelief. Her head shook at Leena.

No, no, why are you saying this? Why would you say such a horrible thing?

Im sorry, but its true. I wish it wasnt. The professor decided to postpone the exam tillfurther notice, Leena said. I cant believe it either. Leena gave her a huge hug. Rachel began

to weep. She immediately blamed herself for his demise. She wept so hard and soon Leena let

go. Rachel rubbed away her tears with both forearms. She pulled herself together in order to ask

one question, one that would answer whether it was her fault or not.


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Was a note left with Eugene, at the crime scene? Rachel asked, searching into Leenas

brown eyes.

Ummyes, actually, there was a note, but I dont remember what it said, Leena

replied. I havent been having a

Leena, you have to listen to me, Rachel ordered. Rachel had to warn her of the possibledanger to come her way. You have to leave this college. Rachel knew she sounded crazy, but

she didnt care.

You got your wish, Leena said sullenly. Rachel let go of her shouldersand was slightly

taken aback that Leena complied without question.

So youre really moving away? Leena nodded, but her face was sadder than ever.

My mother my mother needs me in India. I have to take care of her, Leena said. She

has no one there. Since Ive heard about Eugenes death, my decision to go back was the best

thing to do. I mean, life is too short. I can come back and take my classes next spring.

Oh, Leena, Im so sorry, Rachel said, this time giving her a hug for a while before

letting go.

I better be going. I wasnt going to take the exam with you guys today. I was here togive my dropout letter to professor Friddell in order to get his signature. Im heading to his office

instead. Leena flashed a small smile.I guess Ill see you around. Rachel nodded back at her.

Leena spun around and headed out of the classroom.

Rachels heartbroke for Leena. She hoped everything would be all right with her mother.

Rachel would definitely miss her and would pray for her. But all the while, she felt slightly better

that Leena was leaving. Leena wasnt in danger of getting killed. She would be now safe.

Rachel didnt need to be afraid for Fishers safety; he was the only person in their group

that she never hung around with. She covered her face with both of her hands in disbelief that

Eugene was gone, forever. It seemed so surreal. The last time she spoke to him was when theymet in the library, two days ago just two days ago. Not in her wildest dreams would she think

that would be the last she would see him. She couldnt comprehend the fact she wouldnt see him

again. How life could be taken away, so swiftly. Rachel took a deep breath before walking out of

the classroom.

She didnt know whether she could face the rest of the day without breaking down intears. She wanted to go back to her apartment, curl up in her bed, and stay there forever. For

some reason it seemed like several eyes stared at her from the door. Rachel rushed away, tryingto escape their gaze. She located the closest restroom in an alcove of the hallway, zoomed inside,

and dashed into the first cubicle. With the toilet lid closed, Rachel sat on it and cried again. It

took a while before she mustered the strength to wipe away her tears.

She fumbled her cell from her backpack and called her work manager. She informed him

shed be taking the day off and would be there tomorrow. Rachel needed the time to put herself

together; she needed the time to get over the pain. Eugene was a very dear friend of hers and the


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shock of his death deeply hurt her, but even worse was the possibility that she might be the

cause. She unrolled the toilet paper and tore it, dabbing underneath her eyes before standing up.

The hinges of the stall door squeaked as it closed on its own. She proceeded to the sink oppositeher and washed her face. Pulling the brown paper towel from the wall dispenser, she used it to

dry her face before stepping out of the restroom.

It must have been that person, whoever it was, the person in the dark,Rachel thought as

she rode her bike across campus, heading back to her complex. Whoever the stalker was, he or

she was the one that killed him. It has to be.

At her apartment, the first thing Rachel did before she sank onto her couch was switch onthe television. She flipped to the local campus channel. Her intuition was right; the same nebbish

male reporter spoke on camera about Eugenes death.

Another student of West Dame University has been found dead, this time close to

campus. His name is Eugene Calvin Walter. A note was discovered beside him, he said

solemnly. It says, Caroline Duke = Jay as RE = ? (Next).An odd note this is. Nonetheless, the

police are currently investigating it. Since Carolines name was mentioned in this note, the policeare not so sure Miss Duke committed suicide. Ive heard from an undisclosed source that the

officials assumption is Mr. Eugene Walter mightve known Caroline or perhaps killed her. This

information isnt concrete, though

That is the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard, Rachel shouted at the television as

she heard the assumption that Eugene might be involved.

Maybe Mr. Walter killed himself and left the note by his body; maybe someone else didthis. The male reporter went on. But authorities are 99.9% certain this is a homicide, not a

suicide. Police investigators are not divulging further information, as the investigation is still

pending. However, all students should be cautious of their surroundings. Call the police if you

see anything unusual

Rachel couldnt take it anymore. She switched off the television. Her head was spinning.

This time she knew everything wasnt okay. She knew Caroline Duke didnt commit suicide.

That note was directed to her. She knew she wasnt crazy, yet she remained shocked by the

circumstances she was in. Now she pondered as she tried to decipher what the note meant.

Caroline Duke = Jay as RE = ? (Next), Rachel mouthed to herself, staring

absentmindedly toward the television.

Caroline Duke = Jay, she muttered. How does Caroline Duke relate to Jay? Shethought about it for a while and to her surprise, she figured it out. Caroline looks like Alicia

Hausefalle, so whoever this person was is trying to tell me something. Its an analogy.

Okay, Alicia = Jay, so Alicia is Jays girlfriend. RE, meaning me, equals Oh, no, no,

no. Panic washed over her face as she shook her headin disbelief. The answer came to her.Rachel Evans = Rachels boyfriend. Whoever killed Eugene must have thought Eugene was my

boyfriend.Rachels heart ached worse than ever. It was most definitely her fault. Her eyes

became watery again. Then a thought came to her. If this stalker figured out Eugene wasnt her

boyfriend, but Dominic was, then he would be in danger too.


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No, not my Dominic, Rachel muttered, her lips quivering. Her mind went completely

nuts. She didnt know what to do. She wouldnt know what to do with herself if Dominic were

killed. She knew she would torture herself with guilt. She couldnt let this happen; she couldntlet Dominic die like Eugene. She needed to think of a way to keep him safe. She needed to figure

out how to get Dominic out of sight, and with that train of thought an idea cropped in her mind.

Her apartment door rang. Rachel flinched as she spun toward it. She slowly proceeded

toward the door and checked the eyehole. Dominic stood at the other side.Perfect, she thought, I

have to do this.Ive to tell him this. Its for his safety.Rachel tried to be emotionless, brushing

off her feelings about today before she opened the door.

Hey, hows it going? Dominic said once the door was wide open. He seemed oblivious

to Rachels stifled face as he quickly gave her a kiss on her right cheek, then stepped inside.

I bought some popcorn and drinks, Dominic said, a happy glow taking over his face.

Maybe we could cuddle together while we watch a movie. I got The Claw.

Dominic, Rachel said softly, closing her door, staring at him with sullen eyes. Dominic,

however, was busy placing the pack of ginger ale on the coffee table. As his hunched back

straightened up again, he turned to answer Rachel. The box of premium-brand popcorn stood in

his right hand.

I I dont. I dont think we need to be together, Rachel said coldly, trying to get the

words out of her mouth. It was much more difficult than she thought.

What do you mean? Are you busy again? You dont want to watch a movie? Dominic

said, surveying her with narrow eyes.

No I mean I dont want to be with you, Rachel said, and with those words, her heart

broke like a glass vase colliding against a marble floor. The feeling there was nothing that couldstop the motion overwhelmed her. This thick pain captured her body. She didnt realize how

difficult and hurtful this would be for her. She tried not to weep in front of him.

What? Dominic said, almost dropping the box in disbelief. He wasnt sure he heard

right.

I dont want you here. I think we need a break for a while, Rachel said. Please leave.

Her eyes longed to form tears, but she managed to hold them back, hoping Dominic didnt read

through it.

Rachel, come on. What did I do? Dominic said, coming closer to her. It seemed, so far,

she was doing an excellent job. He thought she was being serious, but Rachel hated lying to him.Its for his own good, she concluded in her head.

Its not you; its me, Rachel said to him. Please just leave.

Youre serious, arent you? Dominic said, searching her eyes.


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I am, Rachel said with a soft yet harsh tone. Dominic stood close to her for a while,

maybe hoping she would surprise him with all this was an act or Im just fooling around, but

that didnt come. Only tense silence took over.

Fine, Dominic finally said, his eyes dark with hurt. He went around her and slammed

the door shut. Rachel, unable to compose herself, fell to her knees, landing on the carpeted floor.She cried. She cupped her face, her hands wet with tears. Dominic was out of her life, yet she felt

like she killed him. She felt like she killed his spirit, his soul his pure love for her.

Chapter FiveOff Guard

Rachel was barely able to sleep on the day of her breakup with Dominic. When the next

day came with a placid morning sun, she wasnt in the mood for its beauty. She couldnt call

anyone; she couldnt risk her loved ones being found by this creep. She had to figure out whatwas going on and get her life back on track. She wished she did that earlier, before she pretended

everything was all right. She pretended she might have been crazy, imagining things, and now a

friend of hers was dead. This isnt going to happen to anyoneelse.

Rachel didnt want to leave her bed. It was as if a powerful, invisible force weighed her

down, and she wasnt willing to fight it off. She couldnt believe she broke up with Dominic.Yesterday seemed to be some kind of nightmare, like it was all in her head. The more she

thought it was real, the more her stomach knotted tight. Rachel wrapped her arms around her

torso. The bitter emotion wouldnt leave. She couldnt believe she let herself hurt him so badly.The stunned look on his face was stamped on Rachels mind. She couldnt blame him for being

upset.

It had to bedone. Rachel spoke to herself.Im keeping him safe; no harm will come

to him. She repeated these wordsover and over again, reminding herself why she did this in the

first place. However, it didnt ease her pain. The only good thing that came out of her self-talk

was that she managed to get out of bed. She lazily got herself ready for the day.

When she went out of her bedroom, her cell phone suddenly rang. She tentatively pickedit up from the counter. She read the name. It wasJosie. Rachel dropped her cell back on the

counter. Her face squeezed with great sadness and she almost cried. She knew she also needed to

break her friendship with Josie. She felt sick as her stomach twisted harder.

I need to do this. I cant let what happened to Eugene happen to her too, Rachel kepttelling herself, staring at her cell, disheartened. This was extremely hard, getting rid of her

boyfriend and a close friend, two people that have become so dear to her. But she had to do it.

She must avoid those she cares about in order to keep them safe. She couldnt evenmake contactwith them. And to do that, she must be strong till the police officers figure out whoever the

killer was. Rachel came to realization she couldnt even go to daily devotional with Josie

anymore. She realized she needed to isolate herself.


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Rachel wasnt thrilled by her decision as she took her bicycle that was propped against

the parlors wall. After she locked the apartment, she mounted her bike and began to ride. The

cool breeze of the morning whipped against her body. Despite her hair being in a ponytail,strings of hair slashed across her face. Once she made it to the campus, her nostrils took in the

fresh, grassy smell. Her green flat almost slipped off the bike pedal, but she caught it in time,

balancing herself again. She headed toward the business building for her two classes of the day.

As usual, Rachel came out of her last class of the day exhausted. She decided to brush off

what she needed to read for the day and ride her bicycle to the coffee shop. It took her abouttwenty minutes to arrive, and she locked her bike at the iron rack. She then peered in the front

glass of the shop. It didnt seem as busy as it usually was in the midafternoon. Inside, she

prepped herself to start her work for the day.

Hey, Rachel, did you hear about Eugene?Marvin, a co-worker, said to her from behind

the counter.

Yes, and I dont really wantto talk about it, Rachel replied. She ignored his

expressionhe appeared surprised by her impertinent tone. She took the tray of coffee andbegan to serve the impatient customers.

Time flew as she served the incoming customers, who seemed to stay longer than usual

and eat more than usual. Rachel wasnt in the mood to work after an hour ticked by. She thought

work would keep things off her mind, but instead, her memories of Eugene crept in. He was,after all, the person that helped her get this job. He was a previous employee till he moved on to

another job closer to his apartment. Rachel remembered Eugenes sophisticatedjokes he told her

and the other workers during their off-hours and the jabs he took at certain students who tipped

him very low. Those were happy moments with him. Rachel didnt want this. Now the pain ofguilt bloomed again. If she could, she would stop working here, but she knew she couldnt. She

needed the money. She only hoped this reminiscence would be temporary.

Maybe I need a little break. She informed Marvin she needed to use the restroom. Once

she dashed over there, she washed her face and took a series of deep breaths to relax her body,calm her mind, and get rid of the thoughts of Eugene. It worked; it took seven minutes of staring

at the mirror, telling herself she needed to get herself together, to be strong-minded. Now, fresh,

Rachel was ready to face the world again, the memories tucked away. Rachel stepped out of the

restroom.

Rachel, help over here! We got more customers! Marvin shouted from the counter as arow of trays lay before him and he carried one away. Rachel sighed, knowing why it was very

busy. Her manager must have given another buy one get one free slice of dessert of your choice

coupon again.

Coming, Marvin, she replied.

It took about two and a half hours before the customers dwindled. Rachel, along with her

fellow employees, was already drained for the day. Now, near the coffee counter, she closed her

eyes and took deep breaths, trying to relax. She opened it and saw Josie with a curvaceous girl as

she opened the main door of the caf, talking and snickering.


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Oh no, Rachel said under her breath. Rachel turned to Marvin and said, Please, if

anyone asks for me, tell them I was off for today.

Rachel, whats wrong? You look like youre going to barf on the floor, Marvin said

with a concerned tone of voice.

Just tell whoever asks about me, okay? Rachel said to Marvin with a serious voice.

Sure, sure, Marvin said, taken aback by her change of personality.

Thanks, Rachel said quickly before she left to go to the back of the store. She stood

there for almost an hour.

Rachel, where are you? Marvin said and Rachel rose from the high stool she sat on

while she relaxed her head on a nearby table.

Ye

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