Chapter 6 Themes: Mentions of gun violence, bullying/threats Liam's Perspective She was the nicest girl I'd ever met. When everyone shied away from the ghost that haunted our school, she tried to befriend her. When she was bullied, she didn't return the hurt. She even gave the likes of me a second chance. That's how I knew she was gonna get hurt in this life too many times. Apparently, Joseph Mare knew this too—and he wasn't about to pass up the chance to take advantage of this. The night before, we had discussed the plan: Amelia would write a note to Sara and they would talk during lunch in the boiler room. Unfortunately, this meant that I would have to sit with someone else in the cafeteria. As I creaked open the doors to the cafeteria, I scanned the tables for my options. That's when the school bully, Joseph Mare, approached me. "Hey, Liam, wanna sit with us?" he asked slyly, gesturing to the Elites' table. "Sure," I gulped, nervous sweat dripping down my face. Get close to your friends, closer to your enemies, am I right? I thought as I followed Joseph to his table. I sat down across from Joseph and gathered the strength to open my brown bag. I could feel all eyes staring at me as I took a bite out of my sandwich. "So, LIAM, how's your girlfriend?" Joseph said, each word like a mousetrap. "I don't have a girlfriend," I stuttered. He slammed his hands on the table, making everyone's lunch trays earthquake. "Don't lie to me, Campbell! I know you've been hanging out with that new girl Annalise!" "Amelia..." I muttered. "That's not the point! Ever since she moved to Cray, she's been giving me problems with that stupid ghost friend of hers, and I need you to tell her that," Joseph exclaimed. "She hasn't done anything wrong! It's your own fault, you big bully!" I argued. My eyes went wide, instantly regretting what I said. Joseph glared at me. "You'd better watch yourself, Campbell, or you'll be earning yourself a beating." I just stared at my feet, anticipating all the terrible things Joseph would do to me. All the swirlies, wedgies, and wet willies I would be receiving over the next month, oh man! "Campbell. Look at me." I snapped my head up to face Joseph. Surprisingly, he didn't look mad. "You're not in trouble." I exhaled. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. "However, you WILL be in trouble if you don't tell your girlfriend to get rid of that ghost friend of hers." "Or else?" I crossed my hands over my chest. "Or else she's dead." I furrowed my brow. "What do you mean?" "History repeats itself, doesn't it?" Joseph laughed maliciously, spit flying out of the sides of his mouth. Then the bell rang, and I threw away my brown bag, my stomach twisted in knots like a pretzel. I swallowed as I realized what Joseph meant. Time seemed to stop. He was gonna shoot her. Author's note: Another chapter, wow! XD Hope you thought this chapter was interesting! :)
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