Chapter Three

           Jessie and Jonny were not prepared for what they saw in school the next day.  Jessie thought she had some idea but as her dad pulled into the parking lot to drop them off, the media swarmed them and she was speechless.

            "We'll have to make a run for it." Jonny leaned in from the back seat and looked over to Jessie who sat in the passenger side.

            "This is insane," Race growled. "They won't be allowed in the school. Jonny's right, you better get ready to make a run for it."

            "I can't believe they're on school property." Jessie sighed as she watched the cameras chase after some kids as they ran into the school.

            "It's the sidewalk.  They see that as public property," Race replied. "It will cool down. I'll pick you guys up after school.  Wait inside until you see the car."

            "Ready?" Jonny looked over to Jessie. "Go!"

            The two rushed out and dashed to the school doors. Questions flooded in from all around. Jessie tried to ignore the heartless reporters and keep her eyes focused on the doors in front of her but she slipped and feared she was separated from Jonny. 

            "How does it feel to know this is the second victim?"

            "Did you know Stephanie Hughes?"

            "What are your thoughts and fears at this time?"

            "Were Stephanie Hughes and Julie Matthews friends?"

            One voice after another came at her and she drowned in the sea of insanity. A strong hand came down and lifted her almost completely off the ground. Jessie looked up and saw Jonny's strong profile.  He pushed them both forward and soon they were safe inside the school.

            "Are you okay?" He asked as she straightened her green top.

            "Fine," she pushed some hair off her face and looked around the room.  Kids stood in hushed awkward circles. Some were crying, some were talking softly but all of them looked stunned.

            "I don't think the normal school schedule will be followed today," Jonny whispered in her ear.

            "No kidding," she clutched her book bag and followed Jonny to their lockers.

            I shouldn't have come to school today.  He thought to himself as he walked the halls filled with grieving students.

            You didn't want to look guilty did you?  They asked.  Relax, I just need the girl.

            Right, he sighed and started to feel the weight of his crime as tear filled eyes found his own as he continued to his locker.  Tear filled eyes like Stephanie's.  Pleading echoed in the halls as a group of her friends hugged each other and asked "Why?"  Just as Julie had asked. "Why me?"

            "Because they need your strength," he explained as he forced her on her knees.

            She didn't realize that he saved her soul. That was the only reason he could continue to help them. He might end their life in the physical world, but he saved them so they may thrive in the after life.  

            That's how he could stand to sleep and dream at night.

            It will be over tonight.  They assured.  You did promise to get her tonight.

            "I know." With heavy footsteps, he made his way to his locker.

            "Hi Jessie," Claire walked up from behind and hugged Jessie as she turned around. "Can you believe this is happening?"

            "No," Jessie looked over to Jonny who seemed to be in another place as his blue eyes seemed clouded and dark.

            "They want everyone to meet in the gym. I think they're going to split us in groups from there and send us to talk to counselors." Claire pulled some of her short blond hair behind her ears and her blue eyes continued to scan the hallway for friends.

            "I should have stayed home," Jessie sighed.

            "I'll catch up with you later," Jonny spoke suddenly. "Bye."

            "Bye," Claire waved to the back of Jonny's bleach blond head as he disappeared into a group of classmates. "What's his problem?  Did he know Stephanie?"

            "No," Jessie turned to her locker and worked the small knob. "Your guess is as good as mine."

            "I'll be back in a minute and we can walk to the gym together." Claire disappeared before Jessie could reply.

            "I have a feeling that today will be the longest day of my life," Jessie muttered as she tossed her book bag onto the floor of her locker and slammed it shut with a huff.

            From a distance, blue eyes claimed Jessie from across the busy hallway.  Eyes that were watching and waiting in the shadows.

            Jessie would be his greatest victory, without a doubt. Now, he even had a plan as to how he would take her.

            "Sorry, Jessie," he mumbled and headed in the opposite direction. He would need to find Claire.

            Claire started back to Jessie when a hand caught her elbow.  She turned and looked into blue eyes and blond hair.

            "Hi," she replied slightly surprised.

            "I really need a favor," he smiled as he led her into an empty classroom.

            "Sure," she smiled.  Claire never could resist guys with blond hair and blue eyes. "What do you need?"

            "It's about Jessie," Jonny replied. Claire leaned in close to listen.