She was sitting in her usual spot in the cafeteria, oblivious to the constant chatter of students around her. She was in another world of lyrics and text. Reading had always been her solace, her sanctuary, her freedom. They thought she was odd. They pitied her for sitting alone. Worst of all, they worried it could be a barrier to success and achievement.
"It's hurting her" the headmaster had told her mother.
What they all failed to see that one can never be lonely in the company of a book. Its where she learned things that were never taught in Chilton, its where she painted images that could never be painted in real life, its were she thrived to be every now and then. How can such a thing hurt you?
While she was roaming the streets of London, following Oliver through his journey, a sudden blood-curdling scream brought her back to Chilton. Being a resident of star hollow, her sugar-coated town, Rory had never in her life heard such a terrorizing shriek. She turned her head slowly as if by slowing her movement, the reality of what she would find would have a lesser impact.
There, in the middle of the cafeteria, stood Darwin Chekvsky, his finger an inch from the half-moon trigger of a black pistol. Rory knew Darwin from her chemistry class. He was that student who always knew the right answer and yet never participated in class. She never understood why one with such intelligence would choose to draw endless geometrical shapes in his notebook margins instead of answering.
Now with a weapon in his hand, he reminded her of the shapes he always drew. .Bold
"Everyone in the corner. NOW!" he yelled. Beads of perspiration trickled from his temple and yet he refused to wipe them.
"I SAID NOW!"
Rory wanted to move but her limbs were numb. A Nightmare, that's what it is, she thought. His piercing stare shook her from her reverie as she got up, stumbling to the corner with the others. She looked at the other students. Some she knew and some she didn't.. Chilton had a wide range of personalities and yet here they are all looking the same. , shocked..
A hand suddenly gripped her arm, fingernails digging into her flesh.
"Paris" she said above a whisper.
"If I knew I'd die today, I would've had the lasagna instead of the salad!". Paris said, still clutching Rory's arm.
"SILENCE! If I heard another word I swear you'll be the first to go!" Darwin's hand started to shake even though he tried to keep it still. You own them now; you have the upper hand, their lives within your grasp Darwin. His inner monologues gave him the strength he needed to steady his hand once again.