Prologue
He was standing over the shelve on top of the fire place, looking through his box of memorabilia of souvenirs you could call them. Some of jewelry, twigs leaves, bones, body parts and other little odd and end.. The fire place roared and crackled with a newly fading fire. He smiles and talks softly to him self. “All these years and I still haven’t been found out. I guess my plan really did succeed.” He closes his box and sits in his chair, smiling. He throws his head back, sighs, looks upon his memory and whispers, “it all started 57 years ago…..”
1
That it was 57 years ago, in a little town, in a quite little happy home in the basement. He and his little brother Mikel were playing an innocent childhood games. Now Mikel had this weird neurological condition called alien hand syndrome were he could not control his sudden limb movements. So he would randomly fling an arm of even walk without his on control. So as the two played and built their own little fort, Mikel’s arm started to whip around which caused him to fall onto his back. On his way down he knocked over everything the two boys had worked on. When Mikel arouse he looked down with shame over his face and started to whimper.
“I’m so sorry big brother, can we rebuild it Emest? Can we?” As tears flowed down his cheeks he wiped him away.
Just then something snapped in the young Emest’s mind. Anger rose form every atom in his mortal being. His fist clenched his face red, his eyes twitched. Maybe it was all the times Emest had worked so hard and his brother would always ruin it somehow. Even though Emest knew it wasn’t his brothers fault he still blamed him for everything. Emest was blinded by anger he couldn’t control his hands as they clasped around his brother throat. Emest squeezed and squeezed till his hands were red and he couldn’t hold any longer. Mikel only made a few soft and muffled screams before he just stopped moving and breathing completely. Emest gasped for air as he looked down at his brother Mikel. His breathing became slower and lighter as he tried to figure out what he had done.
A sudden chill went through the 8 year olds body. Emest shook his brother trying to get him to talk. I n his mind saying ‘no your only asleep wake up dammit!‘ Emest started to pant and fell backwards. His eyes started to water his mind racing, ‘no he isn’t dead he cant.’ Then reality kicked in.
” I have to make it look like something else killed him, I have to do something.” Emest panted. Then he remembered about his brothers condition. “I’ll make it look like he got hit by a car. Like he started walking and the car hit him. Yeah yeah that’s perfect.” He got up and swept the dust off his cloths. He sighed and picked up his brothers newly murdered corpse, and carried it up stairs. Luckily his parents were up stairs working on papers and other adult business stuff. Emest carried the body out to the front yard and crouched behind a bush near the road. He waited silently holding his brother close yet ready to be thrown out in front of a moving car. He breathed waiting what seemed like hours till he could hear the faithful sound of a roaring engine. Emest sighed and counted ‘1,2,3’ and pushed the body of his once brother out on to the gray concrete road. The expected sound of screeching and crashing came as sudden surprise. Then the screaming of a women crying and yelling of oh my god I hit a kid!
Then the sound of a door bursting open and the running of his parents shoes soon followed. Emest closed his eyes and wished it would all just go away. Then he looked down and noticed some blood had splattered upon his hand. The deep dark rich color of red glistened in the little sunlight that peered through the leaves of the bush. He stared at it and out of instinct he slowly licked it of his hand.. It tasted sweet and still warm against his tongue. Emest smiled at the taste. ’Its like candy. So sweet and delicious. I want more!’ Emest thought, then he shook his head violently and whispered to himself.
“No I cant think this I cant! I’ll get in trouble and mom and dad will punish me!” He shook back and forth sobbing. “Why why why! I didn’t mean it honest!” He slowly stopped and decided to go into the house through the back then out the front and act like it was unknown to him still. When he stood his legs shook and wobbled. He glanced to make sure it was clear then he ran as fast as he could to get inside the house. When he was in he made a still face and ran outside through the front. He ran to his parents.
“Mommy what happened I heard screaming?” he said as he hugged her leg. His mother looked down upon him with tears filling her eyes.
“your brother was just hit by a car. He he mu–” she turned to the father and cried on his shoulder.
“He must have had a sudden leg jerk and walked right into the street without knowing what he was doing.” he looked at his wife and patted her shoulder and he himself slowly started to cry.
“He just jumped out of nowhere in front of my car I didn’t see him till he in the grill!” the women who’s car had hit Mikel was shouting. She was trying to tell the parents that it really was an accident. Emest just looked at the ground. He was numb of emotion, he couldn’t determine if it was actually real or just a horrible horrible dream. Then he remembered the taste of the blood and how sweet it was. Another chill went down his back. He ran inside and hid in his own room with the door closed and under the covers. Emest started hitting his head shouting.
“No stop these thoughts stop it! I’ll get in to trouble. No one can ever know about this.” He sighed and laved down. He uncovered his head and looked up at his ceiling. “I swear by this moment I will never kill anyone again.” And he stuck by that promise. From hours to days to months to even years at a time.
2
About a month had past. It was all after the funeral the hugs from dear relatives Emest only saw on holidays and all letters form the close friends and family to the parents saying sorry and all of that. It was now for once a nice day since then. His parents were crying every morning and they were now spending time with Emest. They were all out in the front yard playing a game of catch with a foot ball when they saw a moving truck go into the driveway across the street. They all stood together and looked. Soon came up a nice little minivan that parked right in front of the house and out popped a husband and a wife and two children. One was a little boy Emest ages and a girl about 3 years older. Emest parents decided to do the neighborly thing to do and went over to talk with them and introduce themselves. The family timidly walked over to the new neighbors and greeted them while the moving men moved boxes to the inside of the house.
When they reached the drive way the wife turned to the family and smiled and handed a hand out to them. So Emest’s mother did the same.
“Good day to you I am Mrs. Judy Crawford and this is my husband Henry and my son Emest.” Judy said while shaking hands.
“Nice to meet you I am Mrs. Kelly nelson and this is my husband Jared and my daughter Lynn and my son Mitchell.” Kelly said as she dropped her hand to her side. Emest went straight over to the boy Mitchell and tried talking to him.
“Hi I’m Emest how are you?” Emest asked waiting for a response.
The boy looked at him up and down and smiled. “I’m Mitchell and I’m good how about you?”
“I’m great! So what do you like to do for fun?” Emest smiled eagerly.
“I like to skateboard and bike a lot, but but I also like to play soccer. You?”
” I like soccer too but I cant skateboard but I like bike rides!”
“alright sweet, want to g on one tomorrow after we are done with getting settled and stuff?”
“I sure would!” Emest exclaimed then they high fived and Emest walked home with his family.
The next day around 2pm. There was a knock on the front door of Emest’s house. So his mother Judy went to answer it. It was the little boy form across the street Mitchell and he came to ask if Emest could play. Judy invited the little boy in and called down Emest. Emest came running down the stairs and looked with a smile on his face to see Mitchell standing there.
“Hiya Emest!” Mitchell cheered. “Ready for our bike ride?”
“Of course! Can I go mom please?” Emest asked to make sure his mother would allow.
“you may Emest go and have fun but be back by dark.” Judy said to her son.
“Yay! Okay lets go!” Emest cheered as he and Mitchell ran out the door to get Emest’s bike.
Emest went to the side of the house and opened the garage and toke out his bike. He slowly stroked the seat as he remembered all the times he would bike with his brother. He looked behind him to see his brothers old bike and how the dust had collected over the past 4 weeks. A hard yank tore at his memories and he tasted the blood and the little adrenaline he had when he had the power of choking another and taking the life. Emest looked down at his hand and stared. The memory flashed before his eyes of when he tasted the blood…that sweet warm taste. Then he shocked his head violently to get rid if the thoughts. He then heard Mitchell shouting.
“Hey whets taking you so long? Hurry up!” Mitchell shouted to gain Emest’s attention.
“just a second I was wiping off the dust on the seat and checking the brakes to make sure they work.” Emest shouted back. He sighed and walked his bike over to Mitchell. “sorry but just had to make sure.”
“its cool so you ready? You know this place better so you lead.” Mitchell told Emest. Emest nodded in response.
And with that the two boys were off. Emest toke Mitchell all over town. He should him the school he would soon be going too and the playgrounds, the skate park and the last stop was a little clearing in the woods right next to the skate park.
Emest slowed to a stop and got off his bike watching Mitchell do the same. Mitchell looked all around to see the surroundings. Emest sighed and smiled, put out both arms and feel onto the soft grass beneath him. Mitchell sat down next to him with one arm on a propped up knee, gazing out into the trees all around them.
“how on earth did you find this?” Mitchell asked.
“I was with my bro– a friend one day and we just stopped and said why not? Lets go and check out the woods. And we found this and we layer here what seemed like hours. We didn’t want to leave.” Emest sighed. “feels so long ago.”
“What happened to that friend?” Mitchell questioned.
“He moved to a new state.”
“Oh. Well now you and me can hang together.” Mitchell smiled trying to cheer up Emest.
“Yes we can man!” Emest smiled then got up. “Lets head back it s getting almost dark.
“Agreed.” and Mitchell got up and walked over to his bike. Mitchell looked up to gaze at the half pipe above them and day dreamed of the day he would be able to be there after dark skating and feeling so cool.
Emest got on his bike and started towards the way home. Mitchell snapped back to reality and caught up with Emest. The biked at a relaxed pace till the sunsets showed its colors. They started to petal faster and got to their driveways just in time. They waved and said goodbye at each others doors and went in for the night.
Emest went upstairs and sat on his bed. ‘wow today was a lot of fun’ he thought. ‘Wish I could of stayed there forever.’ about five minuets had past and his mother came in to say her goodnights. She sat on the bed next to him.
“How was your bike ride with Mitchell?” She asked. “Did you have fun?”
“Sure did mom. We went to the skate park and watched the people do neat tricks and stuff.” Emest replied half lying.
“That’s good Emest. I was getting worried for you after your brother…” and she trailed off.
“I see. don’t worry mom I’ll be fine. I mean I did love Mikel, but its okay now. He is in a better place.”
“That’s a good boy Emest” and she patted his shoulder. “Now goodnight son and sweet dreams.” And she gave him a kiss goodnight.
“Night mom.” Emest said and went under the coves as him mom shut the door behind her.
That night Emest slept well for once in a long time. ‘today was the best day ever’ he thought. Then he drifted off to sleep.
3
Many days have past and the two young boys had many adventures. Each day seemed to fly past to the boys. Which soon turned to months to years. Five years to be exact. The two boys are now in JR.High. And yes Emest has still kept his promise, and has not thought of the blood taste since. The two were one inseparable and luckily had all of their classes together. Nothing could split them apart. Well, almost nothing.
It was about 7am and Emest and Mitchell were walking to school. With their backpacks and their lunch money on them they stride with their newly grown longs legs. Their taste in clothe were a little different now but they were still somehow the same. Mitchell was now known or cliqued as a skater and Emest would be a Goth or possibly an emo. But the two didn’t seem to matter. Mitchell with his skinny jeans and his tight jacket was wearing his hat at an odd angle. Emest with his dark semi baggy pants and his black long-sleeved band shirt was staring at his shoes. As they walked to school they chatted about life and how school sucked. When they entered the building both went to Meet’s locker first cause his was closest. When Emest opened his locker Mitchell leaned on the one next to it and said.
“You know one of these days I’m just not gonna show up to school anymore.” Mitchell tried to boast.
“Really? You mean how like you say that almost everyday and yet, here you are!” Emest smirked.
“Yeah but I mean it this time. I cant tomorrow cause of that test and such.”
“Yeah right Mitch. You say that every time.” Emest took Mitchell’s hat and tossed over his shoulder.
“Hey give that back!” Mitchell ran and got his hat and put it right back on his head. “But I really will Emest. I swear my life on it.”
“Okay Mitchell you have fun with that.” Emest closed his locker and walked with Mitchell to his. When they got there it was Emest turn to lean against the locker next to.
“I can defiantly say that I hate math. And mean it to.” Mitchell said as he loaded and unloaded his books.
“Or can you? What about the fact that you sit next to miss hottie Tina in math class huh? I mean dud the first and last thing you talk about how hot you think she is.”
“I do not! Do I?” Mitchell turned to look at Emest who’s eyes were somewhere else. “what are you looking at?”
“Her.” and Emest pointed to a new girl neither of them have seen before and gawked.
Both of them just stared at the new girl and couldn’t move. When she walked by they tried to look cool and she stopped and turned to them. Both tried to act cool as she walked over to them.
“Wow.” She said in a weird polish or German accent. “A Goth and a skater next to each other. This would of never happened back home. Who are you two?” She asked.
“Well I’m Mitchell and this is my best bud Emest.” Mitchell said gesturing to Emest as well. Emest smiled.
“Hello Emest and Mitchell. I am Gretchen and I am a transfer student. It is very nice to meet you both and I hope we could become best of friends.” Gretchen nodded and walked away to her next class.
“Wow just wow.” Mitchell mudderd.
“What is she the new Tina?” Emest questioned Mitchell.
“Its like two Tinas in one.”
“Pick up your jaw form the floor and lets go to class.” Emest said and walked away. Mitchell soon fallowed and was almost speechless when she was sitting right behind his seat in their Spanish class. Emest looked at Mitchell the looked were he was looking then nodded silently. Emest sat down in his seat and dragged Mitchell to his.
To Mitchell Spanish class was blur. All he thought about was Gretchen and how she was sitting right behind him. So many times he was about to turn around but just as soon as he would start to twist the teacher would say ‘now if you look up here at the board’ then he was forced to turn right back around. Emest on the other hand was sorting through his papers trying to see if he could find a nice new clean piece of lined paper to write notes. He soon got aggravated and started to go faster almost whipping them. About 6 papers later he sliced his hand and caused a it to bleed with a paper cut. His finger soon began to ooze of blood. The deep, thick, rich, color red came out as if a bubble. Emest memory soon came back of his brothers blood upon his hand. He started to shake as he slowly put his finger to his tongue.
The familiar sweet and warm taste of blood reentered his mind. He slowly closed his eyes and sighed deeply. The blood did not taste as sweet as it did before. It was like sitting down from a 3 straight day walk. Emest was beyond happy that blood did not taste as sweet as it did before.. Emest head fell back with a huge smile on his face. The student stared at him with shock then question. When Emest went back to reality the teacher was calling his name.
“Emest Crawford what is the matter that you must not pay attention to my class?” The teacher questioned.
“What?!” Emest said as he looked around realizing what he had done. The whole class was staring at him. “Oh I’m sorry it just, that I uh,” Emest had to think what to say besides the fact that he enjoys the taste of blood. “I had to stretch my back you see, and when it cracked it just felt so good that I had to enjoy the moment. I’m sorry senorita.”
“Its fine just next time try to come back faster.” Emest nodded and the teacher faced back to the board. “Now as I was saying…” She continued, and Emest went back to find some clean paper.
The rest of the day was nothing much to care about for either of the two. Mitchell was to busy trying to talk to Gretchen and even invited her to sit at lunch with them. Emest’s mind was busy thinking about the blood. His mid was haunting him. ‘but it tasted so good. I should get more.’ his mind raced over and over. He was almost mentally not anywhere until Mitchell put his hand on his shoulder on the walk home.
“Dude what’s the matter? You a total zombie!” Mitchell asked Emest.
“I’m fine honest its just that I–.” And Emest stopped. ‘I cant tell him about the blood.’ Emest thought so he made up an excuse. “Its just I couldn’t get this girl off my mind. I met her yesterday on a walk last night after we went to the skate park and you hade to go home.” It hurt Emest to lie to his best friend but he just couldn’t tell him about the blood.
“Dude Emest why didn’t you say so?” Mitchell gave a hard pat on the back. “You should of told me we can go find her and you can ask for her number okay?”
“Sure why not? I like to watch you fall on your ass anyways when you try to skate.” Emest said softly punching his shoulder.
“Hey I’d like to see you try and do what I do.” Mitchell said punching back.
“Anyone would be better than you.” Emest said joking and punched Mitchell’s shoulder again, and then ran ahead to make Mitchell walk faster.
“Hey wait a minute no fair! Come back here!” Mitchell said chasseing after Emest.
4
Luckily the next day was Saturday so the two could spend the majority of the day just either at the skate park or at the clearing. It was about 12pm and the two were just getting up to the skate park were Mitchell was ready with skateboard in hand. Mitchell looked up at the half pipe as if it was heaven too him. He took in a deep sigh and ran up the stairs to get ready to go down and do some tricks. Emest on the other hand decided to get out his camera and sit in the bleachers made of cement. Emest put the camera strap around his hand and began recording his friend. It was a extremely windy day so Emest long raven black hair was often getting in his view or his mouth which bothered him slightly.
Mitchell was doing nothing special tricks like olies and nose/tail grabs. It seemed like Mitchell was just doing easy stuff when he sudden climbed down and walked over to Emest. Mitchell stood right in front of Emest and dropped his skateboard and started flailing his arms.
“Emest I know what trick I should do!” As he started to pant and breath heavily.
“What are you going to do?” Emest asked not so impressed with only amateur tricks recorded.
“I’m going to jump over 15 garbage cans on their sides!” Mitchell exclaimed slowing his breathing and placing his arms to his side.
“Oh really? Hoe are you gonna get this done?” Emest asked in a very unhappy voice.
“I don’t know yet, but dude what’s your problem? Something bothering you?”
Emest froze. He knew he wasn’t feeling to great cause of what happened in class. Some how he was disappointed in the fact that the blood didn’t taste so sweet. He looked up from his camera and looked straight at Mitchell. “I’m sorry Mitchell its just I cant get that girl off my mind.” Emest hated to lie to his best friend again but he just couldn’t tell anyone about the blood.
“Its okay Emest I was just getting worried about you. I mean after Spanish class you’ve been acting weird.” Mitchell offered a hand to Emest. “come on lets go to the clearing for a little bit.”
“Alright.” Emest toke Mitchell’s hand and they got on their bikes to go just about 20 feet away to the clearing.
Mitchell put his board his handle bars and had a little trouble steering. Emest just got on his bike and slowly pedaled towards the clearing with Mitchell slowly following behind him. It was no more than five minuets when Emest got off his bike and just fell backward onto the soft grass. Emest put his hands behind his head and waited for Mitchell to do the same. Mitchell got off his bike and propped his skateboard against his back and laid next to Emest on the grass. Mitchell decide to lay on his stomach and put his chin on his hands, and let out a deep sigh. Emest turned to him and laughed. Mitchell gave him a questioning look.
“What the hell is so funny!” Mitchell said starting to laugh himself.
“The way you acted when we met Gretchen. Your jaw was like.” Emest made his jaw open as wide as he could and showed Mitchell.
“It was not! It was more like this.” Mitchell opened his mouth even wider and then the two roared into laughter.
After about fifteen minuets the two stopped and looked up at the sky.
“its almost pitch black.” Emest mudded. “We better start heading home.” Emest got up and walked over to his bike and waited for Mitchell to get his skateboard. Mitchell got on his bike and nodded to Emest. Emest started pedaling and lead Mitchell the way home. ‘After all these years and he still makes me lead on bike rides.’ Emest thought. ‘I’m sure he should know his way by now.’ Emest chuckled to himself at the thought and kept pedaling.
When the tow got home they laughed one more time at each other then waved form each others stoops. When Emest opened the door he found his mother waiting for him with dinner.
“You’re a little late dear but dinner is on the table.” His mother Judy said.
“Thanks mom.” Emest replied and sat down at the dinner table and ate. When he was done Emest ran upstairs and took a shower. When he was out, he turned to look at himself in the mirror. He stared and stared. ’But it wasn’t as good this time.’ his mind bellowed. ’Its only because it was my own. I need more. More I say! More blood to satisfy this hunger.’ Emest pounded on his head. Coursing at himself for thinking such thoughts. He quickly got dressed in to his pajamas and laid down. Sleep didn’t come easy but he soon drifted off almost numb of emotion.
5
There were many other sleepless nights after that. But soon after about 3 weeks the reason cam unknown to Emest. But yet the sleep would not come. The hours seemed countless to Emest. Which soon collected to days and months and soon even three years have flown by. The taste of blood was once again out of his system. But now Emest was sixteen and could drive his own car to high school and of course his best bud in the whole world Mitchell came with him. Almost every single morning.
“Sheesh toke you long enough Mitchell.” Emest complained as Mitchell slid into the passengers seat of the navy blue thunder bird.
“Sorry man I had to get the perfect shave.” Mitchell replied in defense as he stroked his chin and while viewing himself in the mirror. “Unlike you and your goatee.” Mitchell looked at Emest’s facial hair, and smirked.
Emest looked down and glared at Mitchell. “Your just jealous cause you cant grow one as awesome as mine.” Emest boasted. “Remember when you tried to grow one and it just wouldn’t grow till 8 months later when you met Carrie and then she said you had to shave it off or its over?”
“Yeah don’t remind me.” Mitchell grumble as rejection, and slide down in his seat.
Emest smiled. “Well now that you’re here lets get going.” And started up the engine. The engine roared as if being awaken from a long sleep and then purred. Emest put his foot on the accelerator and the raced down the road and off to the high school they went.
The car ride was about fifteen minuets till the got to the school parking lot. Emest found a place to park, shut the car off and took the keys out of the ignition. Mitchell opened the door and stretched his now even longer legs. Emest stepped out too and leaned backwards to crack his back., and then grabbed his backpack form the back. Mitchell looked out towards the school and sighed.
“One of these days Emest.” Mitchell started to say.
“Yeah yeah you just wont come to school. You know you’ve saying that for about almost six years now?” Emest turned and looked at Mitchell who was looked a little mad.
“Yeah I know.” Mitchell smiled and got his backpack form the back as well.
“Hey you two good morning.” A voice cam from behind. The two turned and too their surprise it was Gretchen the girl they met in eight grade.
“Morning Gretchen.” The two said in unison. And walked over to greet her.
“And yet again he comes to school!” Gretchen exclaimed making fun of Mitchell.
“yeah yeah I already got that today from Emest.” Mitchell said giving her a good morning hug.
“So you’ve been keeping him in line huh Emest?” Gretchen said to Emest as she gave him a hug.
“Just for you Gretchen.” Emest replied. Then Gretchen and Emest laughed while Mitchell rolled his eyes.
“Hey what is this pick on Mitchell day?” Mitchell joked.
“Nope that’s next week” Gretchen joked back. All three friends laughed and walked into school together.
The halls were filled with students as the three walked to each to their lockers. Emest was lucky enough to get the locker in the corner of the locker hall so he always knew which one was his. Emest opened his locker with the combination that was almost burned into his brain. With a soft jerk the locker clanged open and Emest bent down. ‘Every single day I do this.’ he thought to himself. ‘and yet everyday seems like its new.’ Emest gathered his books papers pencils and all the daily utensils he needed to get through out the day.
Emest stood up straight and to his surprise there was a young girl standing behind him. He turned to her and gave her a puzzling look. The young girl blushed and tipped her head down.
“Sorry to bother you but, I’m a new freshman here and I was wondering if you could tell me were room 308 was?” The young girl asked in a quite shy tone of voice.
“Here let me see your schedule and I’ll tell you were all your classes are sound good?” Emest said with his palm out to receive the schedule.
“Of, of course.” The girl stuttered and searched through her pocket. She pulled out a purple piece of paper and handed it to Emest.
“Lets see here.” Emest examined the piece of paper. ‘Bridgett Johnson’ Emest read the name. ‘Doesn’t really look like a Bridgett. But she is kind of cute.’ Emest smiled. “All of your classes are in the west wing. If you want I could show you really fast before the first bell rings.”
“Oh my that would be very nice of you.” The girl blushed. “By the way I’m Bridgett what’s your name?”
“Nice to meet you Bridgett I’m Emest.” Emest held out his arm. “Follow me.” and Emest started walking towards the girl’s classes. She followed him like a lost puppy around the school. Emest would point out each class as they passed each of them, ending at her first period.
“Thank you very much Emest.” The girl said before the bell rang.
“No problem Bridgett, and good luck with your first day.” Emest smiled and waved as he walked away to his own first period. Bridgett waved back and walked into class right as the bell rang.
Emest caught up with Mitchell just in time to their first class. The teacher was known for being late so Mitchell turned around to talk to Emest.
“What took you so long to get here?” Mitchell questioned him.
“I decided to do a good deed and I helped a new freshman around the school so she could find her classes.” Emest replied of little interest in Mitchell’s question game.
“She huh? Was she cute?” Mitchell turned himself fully around so he was sitting completely backwards on his chair.
“Dude she is two years younger, get your mind on straight for once.” Emest gave him a look of disappointment.
“Hey doesn’t hurt to ask now does it?” Mitchell said in defense. The teacher had walked in a called for all students to pay attention.
As soon as the bell rang for students to go to passing period and there next class Emest went to his locker. Emest was shocked when he found that little girl Bridgett in a corner near his locker. She was scrunched up with her knees to her chest, her hair hung down over her face. Emest didn’t know what to do. At first he just froze, then he decided to comfort her. Emest walked over to her kneeled down and placed his palm on her shoulder.
“Bridgett what’s wrong? Your first class couldn’t of been that bad.” Emest asked
“Its just that that…” And she continued sobbing.
“Come on Bridgett, you can tell me I’m your friend.” Emest looked straight into her eyes. Bridgett looked up, and the tears stopped for a moment. She sniffled and wiped the tears off her cheek.
“Well, these boys were making fun of me.” She turned her head as she looked upon her memory. “I was just sitting in class when one of them grabbed my arm.” She looked down at her lap. “They said they were seniors and that it would be okay to leave with them. I told them no but they pulled me away. I started to yell but no one else was in the room. I was there too early. And then they took me to a closet, and and..” She slammed her head down and started to cry.
Anger arouse in Emest. But it was a low controllable anger. “Bridgett, you have to tell me who hurt you. If they did what I think they did, I will make sure they pay.” Emest took Bridgett’s hands. “You can trust me.”
Bridgett looked up. Her tears soon faded. She took a deep breath. “I don’t know their names but if you gave me a picture I could recognize them.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes.
“Its going to be okay Bridgett.” Emest opened his arm waiting for Bridgett to do the same. Bridgett leaned towards Emest and embraced him tightly, and began sobbing again. Emest rubbed her back rocking back and forth gently. ‘I’ll get those bastards even if I have to kill them.’ Emest thought.
The bell to be in their next class rung, so Bridgett and Emest stood up. Bridgett gave Emest one last hug then ran off to her next class. Emest stood there watching her run away. ‘What a lovely girl. don’t worry Bridgett I’ll get them for you.’ Emest thought and then walked to his own class.
6
Emest showed up to his next class bout and 15 min late. The door was locked and he had to knock for the teacher to open the door. As the teacher opened the door she stepped out for a second.
“Emest why are you five minutes late?” she asked placing her hands on her hips.
“I saw a freshman crying in the halls, she had troubling finding her classes and got overwhelmed. So I helped her find her next class.” Emest said looking at her with a straight face. ’It may only be half the truth but its better than telling her about the boys.’ Emest thought
“Alright Emest, I trust you but next time take her to the front office first.” the teacher dropped her arms and walked in the classroom followed by Emest.
Emest closed the door behind him and looked into the classroom, noticing all eyes on him. He scanned the room placing his look on Mitchell. Mitchell gave him a look, and a gesture that said. ‘what the hell?’ Emest lowered his head and shuffled to his seat. He dropped his backpack to the floor with a thud and sat down in his seat. The teacher turned around and skimmed the class and told everyone to settle down. Emest rested his head in the palm of his hand and tapped the desk with his pencil in the other.
The bell to let class out rang with a sharp ding. Mitchell stood right up and went over to Emest as he packed up. Mitchell put his hands on the desk and leaned over Emest.
“Okay say it, you were with the freshman girl again weren’t you?” Mitchell demanded as he starred into Emest eyes judgingly.
“What’s it to you?” Emest protested. “you were never into my love life before.”
“Your kidding!” Mitchell exclaimed as he spun around placing both hands on the top of his head. “What’s the deal with you and her?” Mitchell asked as he placed his hands back on the desk.
“I’ll tell you later right now I gotta go to class.” Emest told Mitchell as he stood up, swung his backpack over his shoulder and started walking.
“Oh no you are not getting away that easy.” Mitchell went right in front of Emest and walked backwards to face him. “Now tell me, you banging her or what?”
“Listen Mitch, you go to science while I go to gym and I’ll tell you on the ride home, okay?” Emest stared angrily into Mitchell’s eyes.
“Okay, okay I’ll wait.” Mitchell raised his hands as if to back Eemst off and turned around. “See you then.” as he turned to enter the room.
Emest rolled his eyes and walked down the hall to the gymnasium.. Emest went into the locker room and started to change when he heard other guys talking in the corner. Emest leaned against the row of locker and put his ear close so he could hear.
“So you get any today?” One of the guys asked they other.
“You mean did I bang her?” The other responded.
“Whatever, so you do that freshman or not?” The one asked again.
“Yeah, me and 2 of the guys told her we were seniors, and then we went to the closet and,” the other answered as he made a rude gesture with his hands.
A deep anger boiled inside Emest. His hands started to tremble and he bit his lip. ‘So they are the jerks that messed with Bridgett. They’ll pay, they’ll pay big time.’ Emest thought and then finished dressing as he heard the whistle of the gym teacher. All the guys scrambled out of the locker room. As they stood in a line to be marked as present, Emest couldn’t help but stare out of the corner of his eye. He scanned the line of guys back and forth, looking and judging each to find out who the guilty were. The teacher clapped his hands.
“Alright ladies and gents lets get ready with some warm up stretches.” the teacher bellowed, and motioned the class to come towards him. The class did what they were told and sat in a circle surrounding him. As the teacher gave directions Emest followed but couldn’t help but hearing the same guys in the locker room whispering to each other.
“So you think you’ll ever get caught?” One of the guys asked, who Emest could identify as one of the juniors as Rich.
“Yeah right, we left her to scared to even see straight.” The other responded which Emest knew as Rob.
“Dude your such a bad ass.” Rich said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice.
“Shut the fuck up, what did you do so bad lately then?” Rob protested, gently shoving Rich.
“At least I get girls my own age.” Rich said shrugging off Rob’s harsh words.
“Whatever dude. At least I did something, something to make my mark.”
“Yeah but what if she gets pregnant? Ever think of that mister mark?” Rich turned and faced Rob, who had become silent. “You did wear a condom right? Right!?” Rich placed his arm on Rob. Rob turned and his lips changed form straight to a smile.
“Of course I did you fool!” Rob exclaimed as he slapped his knee and leaned back laughing.
“You’re a big jerk, you know that?!” Rich yelled as he snapped into Robs cruel reality.
The teacher blew the whistle. “Do I have to come over there and split you two up?” He yelled. “Or are you going to follow instructions?”
“We’ll follow instructions” Rich hollered back for him and Rob.
Emest sat there doing what he was told, with half his mind focusing on the two boys. Emest’s mind was racing, with each cruel thought Emest’s breathing became harder and faster. His heart became to beat to a fast rate. As Emest kept this thought train he began to forget about his surroundings. Even when the coach has blown his whistle for everyone to stop. Emest sat there doing his stretches faster, and faster. Emest was stuck in his own mind, the words of hate and anger controlling his muscles to never stop.
The whole class stood as the coach blew his whistle again. “Emest! Time is up! Stretches are over!” the coach hollered at Emest. Emest still just sat there moving his upper body back and forth to reach his toes. Again the coach blew his whistle. “Emest!” his neck’s veins popping out and his face to a beet red. But still Emest just did his stretching. This time the coach just blew his whistle and blew his whistle without stopping. Emest still sat there. Completely without realization of the world around him. The thought of anger and hate controlled him. His mind racing and too focused to even think about anything else.
Finally someone grabbed him by the shoulders. It was the dean of the school. Emest stopped and looked up. His face red form anger and his face moist with perspiration. Emest breathed heavily, and then fell backwards form exhaustion. Then walked over towards where Emest’s head was resting. He looked down, and smiled a half smile.
“Emest,” he deep velvet voice rang. “I’d like you to come to my office for a moment so I could have a word with you.” The dean smiled fully, turned and walked out the room waiting out the door for Emest. Emest got up and dragged himself behind the dean. His breathing still irregular he gasped out a question.
“So, what do you need me for Mr. Syre?” Emest looked up at his Dean with respect and question as he trailed behind him. Mr. Syre did not reply till they reached his office.
“Have a seat Emest.” The Dean gestured gently with his hand towards one of the empty chairs facing his desk. Emest sat down gently and leaned back in the chair. “Now Emest,” The Dean’s smooth voice spoke. “I’ve heard that a young miss at our school has been sexually assaulted, by one of the upperclassmen.” Mr. Syre leaned forward folding his hands together on his desk. “Now, we both know that you’re a kind boy, and that you would never of even dreamt about hurting this girl. But I have talked to her, and she has told me that she has told you everything about it.” Mr. Syre leaned back into his chair. “But the downfall to this information is that you don’t know the guy who has done the crime, and the young miss does not know the upperclassmen’s name.” Mr. Sykes crossed his left leg over his right and placed his hands on the arm rests to the side. He raised one eyebrow and stared into Emest’s face. “Or do you?”
Emest’s face first went blank, as if he could not understand what was actually being asked of him. But as soon as Eemst figured what had been asked of him, his faced flushed into a beet red. His eyes turned dark and his nose and mouth turned into a twisted figure of hate. He started to stutter with his speech. “R-r-r-r-r Robert had gone and done it. That stupid son of a bitch, has went and hurt that poor girl. I heard him bragging about it in gym Rich.” Emest’s breathing had turn into quick deep gasps. Emest was clutching the arm rest of the chair so tight that with one jerk of his right arm he had broke the rest off.
The Mr. Syre looked at Emest with surprise and slight fear. He sat up straight in his chair. “Now Emest are you sure about this? I know you wouldn’t get this mad over anything, but still this is a very serious crime, that could put Rob into jail son.” Mr. Syre exhaled. “Honestly I cant believe something like this would of happened. This isn’t the bad side of the city for heavens sake.” He put his hands on the bad of his scalp and rubbed them through his shaven head.
Emest looked at Mr. Syre. “Sir, I have no doubt in my mind that it was him, and even so that if it wasn’t, he should still be punished for joking around about it.” Emest gulped down his anger and toke a heavy breath. “Please sir, I just need to stay away from him. It has just made me so angry that I could kill the Rob and not have any regret mercy or pity.” He stared coldly at Mr. Syre. His breathing had slowed down to a more regular pace and his face was turning back to its normal color.
Mr. Syre looked Emest straight in the face. “We’ll change you gym class to a different period. But that’s all we can do I’m afraid. Also Emest,” Mr. Syre stood and looked down at Emest. “I’d like you to see the schools psychologist. He could help you control your anger.” Mr. Syre walked over to the door and gestured his hand out of the door. “That is all Emest so please go back to class now and try to have a good day, You’ll start sessions with Dr. Liens tomorrow.”
Emest got up and walked out the door and nodded as he past Mr. Syre. Emest walked down back the way the two had came and reentered the gym. The rest of the class started to play basketball and were busy running back and fourth on the court. The sound of sneaker squeaking and feet pounding as they hit the floor running wasn’t too inviting for Emest. Emest got a signal from the coach just to go ahead and go into the locker room and get changed since it was just two minuets left of class anyway. Eemst slightly jogged to the locker room and started to undress while coach blew his whistle and yelled for everyone to hit the showers.
