Chapter One: Fear

"They've heard about you. They know you're coming. " she paused for a moment. "But they don't know you really exist."

I gripped the doorknob, taking her words in. "They'll learn."

She laughed quietly. "Oh, yes. They will. Take care, Alexi. Make sure not to expose yourself. It would put us all in a bad position."

I turned to face her. Cold, dark eyes stared back at me. "I won't. Unlike you." I grinned.

"Just be careful."

"Mhm."

I left.

. . .

I walked the few blocks to my high school, tired, and not wanting to start school this late in the year. Not wanting to start school at all. I'd much rather be free of the hassle of public schools, and work. Being surrounded by annoying, obnoxious teens is not something I want to do.

I still haven't adjusted to the weather, either. It's February now, and a solid eighty-five degrees. Normally, I'd be wearing a coat. I guess I shouldn't complain though, it does remind me of home.

After walking a few more blocks, I approached the front steps of the school.

. . .

"Just think-one more year, and then you're out on your own!" the counselor smiled nervously. "Isn't that exciting?"

Sitting here, exhibiting no emotion whatsoever, I think, is scaring her. So I smile. "Very much so."

Not much of a talker are you?

"Not much of a talker are you?" she took a deep breath.

I grinned. Still got it, I thought. Everybody is so damned predictable these days. "Not really. More of a listener."

"Ah, I can tell." she seemed to relax a bit. "I bet you can't wait 'til you're done with school, huh?"

I nod feverishly. "Oh, I can't!"

She laughed a little too loudly. "Well, in the meantime, let's look at your records. Shall we?"

"Of course," I fold my arms across my chest.

It's hard to think that a person like this has killed so many people. But then again…it's not. I'm no better than she is. But I have standards…or does that even count when you're a killer? It's a moral dilemma, I suppose. I believe what I do is right…just. I'm not a cretin like those others. I'm sane.

And doing the world a favor.

I watched her stare intently at my file. She looks pretty young. Mid twenties, maybe. She definitely has a boyfriend. One of those overly macho jock types. Suits her, unfortunately.

I wonder what she would look like with her eyelids pinned to her forehead…

I shook the thought from my head, mentally reprimanding myself for thinking something like that whilst in the presence of others. If I hadn't stopped…my desire to kill would have outweighed the need to remain in control…and like she said, I could've put us all in a bad position. This is a horrible place to kill….I'd have to take so many people out…and it is tempting…it's been a while since I've had blood on my hands.

But, a massacre that large? There's no getting away with that.

Although, I wish there was.

"So how does that sound?"

"Huh?" I said, confused.

"For your AP classes? Science and English. Do you think that you can handle it? I mean, not that you can't- your grades are intimidating. It's just, well, I don't know. I wanted to check with you first, you know?"

"Ms. Cameron, you're rambling. Are you okay? You seem a little nervous." I tried to catch my breath.

The woman started to shake. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just wanted to-"

"Check with me first? I know."

Ms. Cameron swallowed hard. "Okay, all of your other classes will be basic then? Alright. Let me print out your schedule."

She walked past me. I could practically see her fear rolling off of her in waves. I felt it wash over me. My heart pumped faster. I licked my lips, my bloodlust rising.

Why is she this afraid of me? So soon, too. I would rather the fear build, than for it to come so quickly. It's fun to toy with the victims. Then again, maybe this could end fast, and I can leave.

I suppose Nikki was right; maybe she does know that I am here. That Death has finally arrived. She has been getting sloppy lately. Ms. Cameron knows that she is going to get caught.

My guidance counselor shoved the paper in my face and took her seat behind her desk. "Here you go, Alexi. Have a nice day." she mumbled.

"You too, Ms. Cameron." I got up and waved my goodbye.

I stopped in the door way of her office. "Oh, Ms. Cameron, by the way…"

. . .

Silence. Not a single person roams these halls, with the exception of a few security guards, that is. I've been walking for five minutes now and haven't seen a single marker for a room 309. I keep walking. Further down this empty hall, I see a placard high up on the wall. It reads ' Rooms 305-310'.

Perfect. I'm only a half hour late.

I rolled my eyes. "Only a half hour…" I muttered quietly to myself.

I turn down the corridor that houses my first class, and begin looking for the room number. 306, 307, 308-there! Thank god. I stop in front of the door and contemplate whether or not I should actually go to class, or sneak out of a side door somewhere and walk home. Before I can make my decision the door opens.

Dammit…

"Hi, there! You must be the new student?"

"Ah, yes. I am."

"Alexi Segur, right?"

I nodded.

"Come on in. I'm Mr. Ashby. Guys," he called out to the students, "this is the new student I was talking about. Her name is Alexi Segur."

A few of them turned to look at me. Some said hello. Most of them could care less about my being here, and honestly, that's fine with me. I'd rather be invisible. Being unseen is rather beneficial.