Scream
Written by Jill Blotevogel based on the script by Dan Dworkin & Jay Beatttie
Fanfiction of Original Character (O.C.) Brittany Duval (Emma's Twin)
Season 1 Episode 2 – Hello, Emma. Hello, Brittany.
"For AQR Web Radio, welcome to Autopsy of a Crime. This is Piper Shaw podcasting the murder investigation of Nina Patterson, day-by-day as it unfolds. So, it's been four days since this brutal slaying and local Sheriff Clark Hudson is still looking for Nina's ex-boyfriend, Tyler O'Neill, as a person of interest. With this town's blood-soaked history, echoes of Lakewood's homegrown psycho, Brandon James, are everywhere. Walking the streets, you can hear terrified locals wondering, could he be back?" Piper Shaw's voice was coming through my headphones.
I was walking next to Emma. We were heading to the school. She insisted that I listen to this podcast.
"Emma!" I heard Brooke exclaim and took out my headphones. "Hey! You could answer one of my text. I know you're getting them. They say read."
"Hi, Riley," Emma said, ignoring Brooke. Brooke sighed and looked at me. I shrugged.
"What are you listening to?" Riley asked.
"Uh, that true crime podcast," Emma answered taking her earbuds out. "They're covering Nina's murder."
"AOC? I'm addicted. They have, like, a crazy huge following. I can't believe that chick's here talking about our Nina," Riley gushed. I wanted to gag. Only four days and they were back to normal.
"Oh, Nina, always loved to be the center of attention," Brooke added. She wasn't the only one.
"Yeah, apparently, even with Will," Emma snipped. Apparently, Emma's only mad at Brooke and not Riley. Emma started to leave.
"Emma, wait. Look, I'm sorry," Brooke apologized. "I should not have dropped Will's indiscretion like that at the party."
"No, you should have told me when you found out," Emma stated. I couldn't tell if she wanted to scream or cry.
"I know, I know, I'm sorry," Brooke apologized again. "It's just… you know how Nina could be if you crossed her. I mean, she'd terrorize you. Seriously, I was scared of her."
"Really?" I asked. Brooke gave me an unamused look. "Good to know you thought that."
"You know what I mean, Britt. Besides the only person she never went after was you," Brooke stated. She had a point. They have all been on Nina's bad side at one point in time. "Em, I'm really sorry."
"Okay," Emma relented. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "I'm still pissed, but you're on probation."
"Hey, I would do community service for you. I would even wear an ugly orange jumpsuit for you," Brooke elaborated. I was really hoping Emma would take her up on that offer. Riley laughed quietly.
"Well, I'm touched," Emma chuckled.
"Thank God, I can call off the intervention," Riley said, lacing her arms through Emma and Brooke's. Brooke then hooked her free arm through mine.
"Hey, have you guys gotten any weird phone calls lately?" Emma asked as we went up the outdoor steps.
"Yeah, selling generic sex pills from India," Brooke replied. "No, thank you."
"No, like creepy, mysterious weird," Emma explained. I chewed on my bottom lip. "I don't know. This guy called and said something about how we pretend to have perfect lives online, on Instagram and Facebook."
"Well, he must be ancient if he thinks we're still on Facebook," Brooke laughed. She didn't mention the pretending part or online stuff to me last night.
"It's probably just Jake being a douche," Riley reasoned.
"That is right up his ally," I agreed.
"Yeah, maybe," Emma said although she didn't look convinced. I pulled away from Brooke.
"I'll see you guys in class," I stated walking to the wall dedicated to Nina.
"So, I'm trying to get past all of the faux-BFF BS," I heard a woman's voice say. I looked over and saw a woman with long dark brown hair talking to Noah. "And get a clear picture of the real Nina Patterson. Did any of you know her?"
"Yeah. Nina was a stone-cold bitch," Audrey stated. I took a deep, shaky breath. She had every right to say that. "Who got what she deserved."
"That is pretty clear," the woman responded. I felt like cold water just got dumped on me. The tears were threatening to fall again. "Can I quote you on that?"
"No!" Noah said quickly. Then chuckled nervously. "No, she's just saying words."
"And what about you?" she asked him. "Did you have any thoughts on Nina's murder?"
"You know, a few…" Noah started.
"Someone's ass is toast!" Jake yelled.
"But some other time sounds good," Noah finished, grabbing Audrey and trying to make a quick escape. However, they only made it a few feet.
"Noah!" Jake yelled.
"What's up?" Noah asked still walking.
"Was it you, nerd?" Jake asked. "Was this payback for the lake?"
"Was what payback?" Noah wondered. I bit my lip so I wouldn't start laughing and remained next to the mystery reporter.
"My truck," Jake seethed. He held up his phone. "It went viral!"
"Well, I mean, you know…" Audrey started.
"Can it, les-beast," Jake interrupted her. He shoved Noah against one of the rails holding up the cross-walk cover.
"Hey, hey, leave him alone," Audrey said. I stepped forward.
"You know anything about this?" Jake asked again.
"No," Noah gulped. "But, you know, it is a sad statement of the decline of our public schools."
"That's the wrong answer," Jake growled. He grabbed Noah's throat.
"Jake, that's enough!" I said, walking up to him. He just looked at me. "Lay off. The damn truck will be fine after a wash."
"I didn't ask for your input," Jake said and returned his attention to Noah.
"Well you're getting it," I snapped back. "Let him go."
"Whoa," Noah's hands lifted. "I swear I didn't touch your truck."
"If I find out you were lying. I swear to God you are dead," Jake threatened.
"I believe you," Noah whispered. Jake slapped his cheek and let him go.
"I'll see you in class, Beautiful," Jake said to me, kissing my cheek.
"Thanks," Noah said smiling at me.
"He didn't see me before storming up. So, you got lucky," I replied.
"Misspelling douche was an interesting choice," Audrey commented. I smiled. "What gonna tell the asshole now?"
"No, I already knew it was Noah," I stated. "I'll tell him it was Kristina from the next town over. She wasn't too bright and her family is done moving."
"Thanks, and I should have used the spray stuff. I got paint all over me. I looked like Carrie at prom by the time I got home," Noah laughed. I smiled at his horror reference. They walked off.
"So, did you know Nina, Miss Reporter?" I asked the dark-haired woman.
"No, and I'm Piper Shaw," She explained. She held out her hand, I shook it.
"Right, the podcast," I said. "Your covering the murder."
"Yeah, I am. No one will tell me the truth about her… well Audrey might have," Piper stated.
"Audrey's right. Nina was a stone-cold bitch. She made a lot of peoples lives a living hell," I said, looking at her smiling photo with tears in my eyes.
"I take it you weren't friends," Piper stated. Since she was standing behind me, she couldn't see my eyes.
"Actually, we are… were besties," I corrected, turning to face her. She was shocked. "Just because I love her dearly doesn't mean I was ignorant to who she was. Sorry, I really miss her, and I can't believe she's gone. Audrey was wrong about one thing. She didn't deserve what happened to her. No one deserves to be murdered."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Piper said. She now looked completely out of place.
"Excuse me," I said softly. I went to the nearest bathroom to wash my face. Luckily, I decided not to wear any make-up today or I'd look like a racoon. When I was finished, I went toward my locker.
"And I'm pretty sure Emma's done talking to you," Kieran stated. I walked up beside him, and Will completely ignored me.
"Just stay out of this, Abercrombie," Will stated. He has horrible insulting skills. The guys were now having a staring contest.
"Do you want some dueling pistols or something?" Emma asked. I chuckled, and Kieran's head snapped in my direction. Will scoffed and walked off. "Is that really your locker?"
"Is that guy really your boyfriend?" Kieran asked. I went to walk off when he grabbed my wrist.
"Well, the jury's still out on that one," Emma admitted. She saw his hand on my wrist. "I'll give you some privacy."
"Em," I started but she was already gone. "Uh."
"My jacket looks good on you," Kieran said. I bit my bottom lip. "So, does your blush."
"I've been trying to give it back, but you, um, are hard to find," I said ignoring his blush comment. Shrugging the jacket off my shoulders, he grabbed the neck flaps and pulled it back in place.
"I'm already wearing one," he said. I looked at his dark leather jacket and fitted gray V-neck shirt. "Unless you want this one?"
"No, I mean why would I?" I asked, looking back into his eyes, embarrassed at my starring.
"My scent and warmth," he stated leaning down, a knowing smirk on his lips, and he did smell good. "About the other night…"
"No biggie," I interrupted him. His lips quirked. "I, just an FYI, I don't normally kiss guys in greenhouses."
"Good. I'm special," he smiled. Then he kissed me for the third time. I was shocked, and he pulled me even closer. We were in the hall and people could see us. He pulled back from me. "See you in class."
Brooke and Riley walked over as he turned the corner. I leaned against the row of lockers. As the girls continued talking about another party. Neither of them seen me with Kieran. I sighed with my good luck. Then our phones chimed. I lifted my phone to check the message and almost fell over with the horrifying image. It was a GIF of Nina. She was face down in her pool with a large bloody gash across her back. The killer was to the right of the screen wearing a Brandon James mask. The words 'PAYBACK'S A BITCH' flashed in red letters. I vaguely heard more phones chime.
"Britt," someone said, shaking my shoulders. "Answer me!"
"Sorry," I mumbled. Trying to see who was talking to me through my tears.
"Are you okay?" I recognized Brooke's voice. Blinking the tears out of my eyes, I saw her standing in front of me.
"Yeah?" I asked. "I… what the hell was that. That sick bastard!"
"Britt," Emma said as she ran up next to us. "Did you see it?"
"Yes," I answered. The bell rang.
"We should get to class," Riley said.
I saw that Kieran was already in his seat when we got there. I sat in the empty seat next to him. He smiled at me but it quickly vanished. He looked at his phone for a second and his smile dropped. He wrote on a piece of paper and held it up for me to read. He asked if I wanted to ditch class and talk. I shook my head.
"Alright, guys, you know, phones down," Mr. Branson stated.
"But the Brandon James GIF put us on the map, Mr. B.," Jake complained. I glared at his back. "I mean, we've got like seven of the top ten trending hashtags right now."
"You know, maybe you should focus more on your studies and less on Lakewood's web-buzz," Mr. Branson said. I couldn't agree more.
"Who can resist a murder selfie?" Jake asked.
"Me," I grumbled, putting my head on my desk. I tensed when a hand rested on my shoulder. Looking up I saw it was Kieran's, and I relaxed.
"Which is what the killer is counting on," Noah commented. I groaned softly knowing that he is right.
"Alright, Will Graham, what is this killer's design?" Mr. Branson asked. He sounded curious.
"Well, murders a lonely game, you know. I mean, say you're the killer, okay. You sneak into Nina's house, you sulk around and scare her, and then you kill her. Boom!" I flinched with each point he made. I really didn't want to think about how alone she must have felt. "But then what? You take a victory lap around the pool? You just stand there, watching the blood spread out in the water, thinking your crazy guy thoughts?"
"Creepy monolog alert," Brooke stated, disgusted. I took a deep breath, and Kieran started rubbing circles on my shoulder.
"So, maybe it's no good if he's the only one who's watching?" Riley wondered. In her own way telling Brooke to lay off. Riley's crushing on Noah, I smiled at the thought.
"Exactly, yeah! Uh, it's the age of Instagram and YouTube and Tumblr. I mean, we need to share the things we do or it's like it never happened," Noah continued. Everyone was silent for a moment.
"Riley, phones off," Mr. Branson said.
"Sorry, Mr. B., my friend from Saint Mary's texted. A girl that goes there died," Riley explained. I sat up and looked at Audrey.
"No way. Who was it?" Brooke asked.
"How'd it happen?" Jake asked. Audrey was checking her phone.
"It doesn't say," Riley said, still looking at her phone.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Riley," Mr. Branson said. "Uh, why don't we get back to…"
"I have, uh," Audrey interrupted him standing up. "to go to the bathroom."
"Actually, let's… let's all take a minute," Mr. Branson said as the door slammed shut behind her. I look over to Emma. She looks horrified.
Emma quickly stood and followed Audrey. I placed my head back on the desk with a shaky breath. Kieran keeps rubbing my shoulder trying to comfort me. I turn my head and give him a grateful smile. He smiles back. After class is over, I joined Brooke and Riley to find Emma. She was waiting for us in the hall.
"My friend, Caden, goes to Saint Mary's. Apparently, Rachel was just a train wreck looking for a station," Brooke stated. I clenched my jaw at her inconsiderate gossiping. Although I have to admit if Nina was here, she would do the same thing or even something worse.
"Brooke, she just killed herself, and it's because of me," Emma stated.
"You can't blame yourself for that video," Riley defended. She looked at me and then Brooke. "We were all there that day."
"Yeah, but I was the one in the parking lot with Nina," Emma stated guiltily. "I let it happen."
"I was in the parking lot too. You didn't let anything happen. When Nina wants… wanted to do something she done it and no one could stop her," I argued.
"I'm sorry I just need a minute," Emma said backing away. I was about to follow her.
"Nice jacket," Brooke stated, shifting in front of me. "Looks like the one you were supposed to return to a certain hottie."
"Brooke," I groaned.
"What hottie?" Riley asked.
"Kieran," Brooke answered. "You two looked very cozy in class."
"It's not like that," I denied.
"Then what is it? He was comforting you," Brooke stated.
"We're… friends, I guess," I said.
"You don't sound so sure about that," Riley commented with a smile.
"It seems to me that he wants more than friendship," Brooke added.
"Come on, knock it off," I grumbled.
"Knock what off?" Kieran asked as he rounded the corner.
"Hi, Kieran," Brooke said sweetly.
"Hi, Brooke, Riley," Kieran greeted. "Can I steal Brittany?"
"Of course," they agreed together. My jaw dropped.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't," Brooke said winking at me. Her and Riley walked off.
Kieran placed his hand on my lower back and lead me outside to his truck. I stayed silent, not knowing how much of my conversation with the girls he had heard. He was silent as well. I looked back at the school, and wondered where we were heading.
"Nervous?" Kieran asked was a chuckle. I looked up at him.
"Should I be?" I asked.
He just smiled and held the passenger door open for me. I bit my lip, weighed my options, and then climbed in. He closed the door after me and walked to the driver's side and hoped in. After starting the engine, he looked at me with an eyebrow raised.
"What?" I asked.
"Slide over here," he smirked, patting the middle seat.
"Why? Is someone joining us?" I wondered.
"No," he said.
When he didn't elaborate or start driving, I sighed and slid over next to him. He smiled brightly in triumph. Then he drove out of the parking lot. The same rock station was playing. I smiled as The Sound of Silence by Disturbed started playing. Humming along with the lyrics, I watched the world outside.
"Your voice is beautiful," Kieran said as the song ended.
"Hmm?" I looked over at him confused.
"You were singing along with The Sound of Silence," he stated.
"Oh my God! I didn't," I said horrified, looking away. "Please tell me your joking?"
"You shouldn't be embarrassed of a voice like that," he complemented me. I looked over at him when his arm settled around my shoulders.
"Where are we going?" I asked. He laughed.
"You've been in my truck for a while, and you're just now wondering where I'm taking you," he laughed. I shook my head. "We're here."
"Hmm?" I looked out the window at my house. "Oh… Thanks. Wanna come in for a drink or something?"
"Where should I park?" he wondered.
"Here's fine," I answered. "Come on. Just so you know it'll have to be non-alcoholic."
"Works for me," he answered. "I'll get the door for you."
I slid into the passenger seat and waited for him to open the door. He smiled as he opened the door. Bowing and holding his hand out, I laughed taking it. We walked hand in hand into my house. I could hear Emma moving around upstairs. Kieran looked up, stopped walking, and looked at me.
"Emma's getting ready for work. I guess Brooke told her I was with you," I explained.
"Actually, I told her not to wait for you. She said she was going to work early," Kieran smiled. Emma walked down the stairs.
"Oh, hi," Emma said. "Look at that I'm late for work. Bye."
"Em!" I called as she ran out of the house. "Umm… You planned this? Why?"
"Drinks?" he asked instead of answering.
"Right. What do you want?" I asked walking into the kitchen.
"Many things, Brittany, many things," he said.
"Sweet tea it is," I stated, ignoring what that could mean. "Why don't you call me Britt?"
"Do you want me too?" he asked. I nodded. Nina was the only person to always call me by my full name. "Thanks. Will I see you at the game tomorrow?"
"Um, that'll depend on Em and Will," I replied. Kieran gave me a chaste kiss.
"Until next time," he whispered and then left.
When I could no longer stand sitting at home (which was only about thirty minutes), I walked to the Grindhouse Coffee to see Emma and ask her why she went along with Kieran's plan and get a latte. I walked in and saw Piper sitting on one of the couches.
"You're Emma Duval, right?" Piper asked as Emma wiped crumbs off the table.
"Um, yeah, how did you know that?" Emma asked. I was as confused as Emma since Piper hadn't known my name earlier.
"Research. I'm doing a profile…" Piper started.
"About the murder, yeah, I heard," Emma cut her off. "Um, well, I'll let you get back to it."
"You're Dad's Kevin Duval, the sole survivor of the Brandon James attacks?" Piper asked.
"I actually don't talk about that," Emma snapped. Dad's always been a sore subject for her.
"Sorry, I'm just trying to see if there's any connection between what happened then and what's happening now," Piper stated. "No agenda, just the truth. I also have a very serious caffeine addiction, so you'll be seeing a lot of me."
"Okay, well, you respect my privacy, and I will keep you caffeinated," Emma said.
"Fair enough," Piper agreed.
I walked over to the counter as Emma walked around the back of it. When she noticed me, she smiled and I crossed my arms. She started to make my normal order, and I waited patiently. After I took my first sip, I placed a hand on my hip.
"Kieran?" I asked. She smiled.
"He said he wanted to make sure you were okay," she replied.
"How did you know I would even agree to ride with him?" I wondered.
"Because I walked in on you two kissing at Brooke's party and he looked really worried in Mr. Branson's class. He likes you," Emma answered, smiling. I rolled my eyes at her, and then walked over and sat across from Piper.
"You're Brittany Duval, Nina's bestie," Piper stated.
"And Emma's twin," I elaborated. "I needed a caffeine fix."
"Me too. Is family a touchy subject for you as well?" she wondered.
"Not as much as it is for her. I won't guaranty answers you'll like, but ask way," I stated, taking another drink.
"Did your dad ever talk about what happened with Brandon James?" she asked, getting straight to the point.
"He didn't see who attacked him. Plus, he refused to talk about the attack before he left. I'm still not sold that Brandon was the killer in '94," I stated. Piper almost dropped her recorder.
"Wow, I was not expecting that. Why don't you believe it was him? From what I've heard everyone else believes it was," Piper wondered confused.
"Everyone one wants to believe it was him because it's simple. He looks like a monster so he must be a monster. Sad fact about people, if you don't fit in, you get the short stick in most cases. Like, when someone tells you something you don't like. You don't automatically believe what they say. However, if they tell you something you like, it's gotta be the truth. I believe in facts. There was no physical evidence, no witnesses, just speculation and fear," I answered. "People wanted to feel safe, so they hide behind fear instead of hunting for the truth. I talked with Troy. He doesn't believe his brother would kill anyone. Troy said Brandon was capable but so was a lot of people. I'm physically fit, and have some fighting skills. Using a sneak attack and I could take down a man twice my size."
"You're not an outcast and yet you seem to understand the feeling. A sympathizer? I mean, you did defend that Noah kid earlier and from my view point the kid attacking him was your friend, possibly your boyfriend," Piper commented. "Nina was obviously popular and I'm willing to bet you are too. I do like your outlook on the case though, it's certainly unique."
"So, because I'm popular and friends with the 'it' crowd, I can't know what it feels like to be an outcast?" I asked. "Noah is my friend. A great friend in fact. We could talk for hours about horror movies or serial killers. Tammy is considered a math geek, and she is. We would debate the best way to solve equations. Jake is a jerk with a capital j. however, he is my friend as well. People think that Jake and I are together, but we aren't. He's a playboy. The boy is sweet once he lets you in. He does believe in the stereotype, and he lives up to it. To answer your question. I've never felt like an outcast more than I do now."
"You obviously have a lot of friends. So why do you feel like an outcast?" Piper wondered.
"Because Nina is gone. Her parents and I seem to be the only ones who actually care," I said looking into my cup. "She was horrible to everyone, friends included, but friends are supposed to care. If I died, would everyone react the same way? I have to go."
Before she could respond, I got up and got the key from Emma so I could go visit Mrs. Patterson. We talked and joked and laughed and cried together. I stayed there through dinner and when I left, she told me they were moving and wanted my help going through Nina's things. I fought off more tears as I agreed. I went to pick up Emma from work. Seeing Will exit the coffee shop with Emma, shocked me.
"Night, Will. Britt, let's take Mom some coffee," Emma said as she hoped in the passenger seat. I drove up to the police station as she explained why Will was there. Mom was probably still down in the Autopsy room.
"Hey, I figured you could use some caffeine," Emma said as we entered Autopsy.
"Look, girls, I don't usually mind you visiting me at work, but this one's a little disturbing," Mom said. Rachel was laying on her autopsy table. Her arm had many little scars on it.
"Is that Rachel Murray?" Emma asked. Mom took the travel mug from her. "She was a cutter?"
"Yeah, she had some issues with depression," Mom stated. Emma crossed her arms, and I placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah, Audrey knew her," Emma said. "They were close."
"Rachel's mom mentioned something about a cyber-bullying video. Was Audrey the one Rachel was kissing?"
"Yeah. Nina was the one who filmed them. I was there. I let it happen," Emma sobbed.
"So, I was there too, and unlike you, I knew Nina was going to post it," I admitted, not looking at mom.
"What?" Mom asked. "Brittany! Emma!"
"I'm sorry," Emma said and ran out the door.
"I'm going to make sure she's okay," I stated before following her.
We didn't see Mom the following morning and Emma was unusually quiet. She did tell me that she was going to the game today. I texted Brooke to see if she would go with and of course she said yes. She still felt bad about not telling Emma.
"Welcome everyone," the announcer said as we entered the gym. I ignored the announcer and followed Emma and Brooke. They sat next to the side railing, and I leaned against it. The bleachers were mostly full by this point.
"Sportsball! Yay!" Brooke exclaimed sarcastically. I chuckled. The guys were doing warm ups, and I saw Mr. Branson walk by. Three, two, one.
"Um, I'm gonna go get some licorice whips," Brooke said. I smiled, she's too predictable. "Be right back."
"Good evening, Lancer fans," Mayor Maddox (aka Brooke's dad) started his speech. "Welcome. It has been… an emotional week for Lakewood with the loss of two lovely young souls in our community, Nina Patterson and Rachel Murray. Let's have a moment of silence."
After the moment of silence, the game began. I watched the game without actually paying attention to what I was seeing. I felt an arm go around my shoulders and tensed. Looking over, I saw Kieran. He smiled and pulled me closer.
"Hey," Kieran said. I smiled back.
"Hi," Emma and I said together.
"Your boy's pretty good," Kieran commented to Emma. "You ever let him plead his case?"
"Yeah. Right after I almost took his head off with a two-by -four," Emma replied. I chuckled. Kieran was confused. "I was, uh. I was cleaning up at work and I'm pretty sure someone was… I don't know, trying to scare me or something."
"And then he showed up?" Kieran asked. I looked up at him. His dark mind might be onto something.
"What?" Emma asked looking at him.
"It's classic. Messes with your head and then rescues you," Kieran explained. That is pretty twisted especially with what's already happening here.
"No way," Emma denied, but she didn't look convinced that didn't happen.
"Did he ask you for one little favor? Something that tugged at your heartstrings?" Kieran inquired. He has a dark mind alright and twisted too. Emma looked at Will in disbelief. "I thought so."
Brooke finally came back and lifted an eyebrow at me. I looked away knowing this didn't look like just friends to her. Emma then realized how close Kieran was to me. His grip tightened.
"Did you use a trick like that on my sister?" Emma asked. I gave her a what the hell look. Brooke looked confused. "She doesn't give guys the time of day and here you are."
"Emma!" I exclaimed.
"I wouldn't dream of it. Besides, I won't cheat. This girl's too amazing for something like that," Kieran answered. I looked up at him shocked. He said that like we are together.
"So, you are together," Brooke smiled. Her tone and look made me believe that she would be asking for details soon.
"Something wrong with that?" Kieran asked. He kissed my temple.
"No, not at all. You hurt her. I castrate you," Brooke promised. "I'll stay with Em. You two go have fun."
Kieran smiled and pulled me with him into the hallway. I walked beside him through the empty corridors in silence for a bit.
"I didn't even think about that when she told me what happened," I said to break the awkward silence.
"Well, you don't have a dark mind," Kieran smirked.
"It seems more twisted than dark," I responded.
"So, you now believe that I not only have a dark mind, but a twisted one as well?" he inquired.
"Yes, and a hero complex," I answered. Now that I'm alone with him in a dark corridor away from the gym, a chill went down my spine. "Why did you insinuate that we are an item to Brooke?"
"Why wouldn't I?" he countered, turning me toward him. I looked into his eyes. "You want me to back off?"
"No," I said without thinking. I grabbed the front of his shirt as he took a step back. He smirked. "I mean…"
"That's all the confirmation I need," Kieran commented, interrupting me. I tilted my head confused, and then he kissed me again. Although this time it was completely different then the others. He's grip was tighter and I almost couldn't breath by the time we pulled apart. Breathing heavily, I took a small step back. He loosened his grip but didn't let go.
"This… is confusing," I whispered. I don't date and guys don't pay attention to me. Nina was the star.
"I've got you," Kieran said, pulling me into a hug. That's when I noticed that I was crying. "Shh. I got you."
"I'm sorry," I whispered. This is so embarrassing.
"Don't apologize. I'm here and I got you," he whispered back.
"Why?" I asked. I didn't elaborate because I'm not even sure what I was asking for. Why are you doing this? Why do I matter? Why is Nina gone?
"I… honestly don't know," he chuckled. I realized his answer fit all three questions in my mind. "I do know I'm here and I don't plan on going anywhere. After all loss is loss and it sucks all around. The only thing we can do is try to keep going."
"I…" I started, when the games final buzzer echoed through the hall. "We should head back."
"No need. Text your sister, and tell her I'm taking you home," Kieran said. I hesitated for a second before sending her a quick text. Then he was kissing me again.
When we broke apart this time, he liked his lip and smiled brightly. Moments later we were walking hand in hand out to his truck. The parking lot was mostly deserted by now. He once again held the door for me, and I immediately slid into the middle seat. He drove me home with his hand resting on my leg, gave me a kiss goodnight after he walked me to my door, and left after I entered the house.
I reset the alarm seeing Emma in the sitting room to the right. Mom had left a note saying she would be late getting home again. I sat across from Emma, she continued to scroll through her phone.
"Em, I think Kieran and I are… together," I stated confused.
"Did he ask you out or something?" she asked. She put her phone on the coffee table.
"Not exactly. I called him out on what he said to Brooke. He asked if I wanted him to back off. I didn't even think about it and said no," I said, leaving out the crying part.
"Then you said yes. I'm guessing that was his way of asking and you accepted. I told Audrey that I'm taking responsibility for what happened to Rachel," Emma admitted.
"What?" I asked and then the alarm went off. We both jumped as the automated voice said 'kitchen door.'
Emma turned off the alarm, while I went into the kitchen. I froze for a second seeing the door standing wide open. I rushed over and closed and locked it. Emma walked in as the house phone rang. She picked up the receiver.
"Hello?" Emma said answering it. "Um, my name is Emma Duval, and the code word is, ah, amethyst. Um, I, I just found my kitchen door open."
"Security guys?" I asked quietly. She nodded.
"Should, we, maybe go wait outside?" Emma asked. Walking to the closet to grab a baseball bat. "Would you… would you stay on the line with me until somebody gets here?"
"Sorry, if I sound paranoid," Emma stated. I could hear the fear in her voice. "It's just, my family has been harassed before. Um, how far away is he?"
"So, what have you been doing tonight?" I heard a male voice ask as I picked up the other land-line. "Watching some TV? Anything good on?"
"Is this your way of trying to distract me?" Emma asked back. I looked around the living room.
"You see right through me," he chuckled. Creepy guy.
"Sorry, but it's not working," Emma said walking to the front door.
"Come on humor me," the guy said. Something isn't right with this guy. "What do you like to watch?"
"I don't know," Emma said, playing along. "Uh, Game of Thrones, Scandal."
"How to Get Away with Murder?" he prompted. Odd title to pick given the circumstance.
"Yeah. That one's pretty good, I guess," Emma agreed, walking in front of the stairs. I walked over to her.
"I like a strong female lead," he stated. "You sound pretty though yourself. It that guy's still in your house, maybe he should be afraid."
"Don't even joke about that!" Emma exclaimed. Okay the yellow creepy light just went red. The security guys aren't supposed to talk like this.
"Sorry," he chuckled. "So, what do you like? Comedy? Horror?"
"Definitely not horror," Emma answered.
"Let me talk," I mouthed to her. She nodded.
"Real life is scary enough these days," I said. Emma and I sound the exact same on the phone. Mom can't even tell us apart. "Sleeps been elusive lately."
"You do look tired," he commented. Terror filled me as Emma gripped the bat tighter.
"What?" I asked, shaking.
"You sound tired," he said as though he was repeating himself.
"How far away is he?" Emma asked.
"Not far," he answered. I noticed the window in the sitting room open and ran over to shut and lock it. "What you should really be asking is, did you just lock me in or out, Brittany?"
"If you are in this house, I swear to God," Emma started her threat. I frantically looked around.
"What? You gonna try a little bat practice on me?" he asked. He has to be watching us.
"Yeah, you're damn right I will," Emma stated.
"Gotta find me first," he taunted. "And I could be anywhere."
"I have your number. I'm calling the cops," I said, looking at the phone.
"By all means, Brittany. They'll reach a nice confused man named Art, who works at GPP Security, and the cops will never get here in time," he chuckled. I took a deep shaky breath. "I suggest you talk to me, Emma."
"What do you want from me?" she asked.
"To show you the truth, Emma," he answered.
"About what?" she wondered.
"Who you really are," he replied. I clenched my jaw. "And trust me it's gonna hurt."
"You don't know me," she said looking out the front window.
"But I do," he taunted. I pulled my cell phone out. "Ah, ah, Brittany, don't be stupid. Put the phone down. Back to you, Emma. That's the real horror show. I know that everyone you trust is lying to you, playing you."
"What are you talking about?" Emma asked confused.
"Your two-faced friends, your fraud of a family," he explained. We locked eyes. "Your whore of a mother. It all started with her, Emma, but it's gonna end with you."
"What about me? I'm part of this to, right? After all, Em and I are twins. Meaning same Mom," I tried to get his attention away from my sister.
"I haven't forgotten anything about you, Brittany, but our play time is later. For now, it's Emma I want to play with," he out right laughed. "See you soon."
The line disconnected. Emma kept looking around the room. I starred at my cell phone. Then I looked at Emma. I needed to protect her, but I don't know what this guy is actually after or what secrets he knows. If this guy is stalking us (or more importantly Emma) then he could also be the killer, that doesn't make sense. Nina and her didn't really get along. Unless he is pretending to be after Emma when he's really after me to throw off our focus.
