There was noise. Lots of it. There were kids screaming and running around, trying to get out of the place before another bullet ricocheted across the corridor. I lay there on the ground completely stunned and frightened as I got crushed further beneath the stampede of terrorised children.
Among the hustle, I tried to shield myself from the kids running my way. I even tried to stand up and run. However, I moaned in pain as I felt my already sore leg electrify. It was almost as if it could comprehend the situation and my feelings and act according to it. Limping was also out of the option. I didn't know what to do. How was I supposed to know? It was all so fast. I could still hear the echo of the bullets as it dodged around the caverns of my ears. I was scared. So scared. My blood was running cold as my body tried to adjust to the adrenalin pumping through my veins.
But firstly, I needed somebody to get me out of there! My heart stopped as I looked around and saw that I was the only one in the empty hallway. All that was left were strewn bags, open lockers and random sheets on the floor. Not even that Jimmy kid, who aimed and pulled the trigger was in sight.
I tried to crawl my way out, too scared to even see what was wrong with my leg. The closest escape route was the library.
I took forever to get there. I had to be cautious. The kid had a gun and he was shooting! I turned around and looked every two seconds as I stopped to give my aching feet some rest they wanted.
Somehow, I managed to stumble into the deserted library as I quickly hid behind some rows of shelves. I prayed that even if he got there, he wouldn't find me. My foot was stinging like a thousand bees when I finally rested and took half a breath.
Now came the harder challenge. The wait. I didn't know what to do or what to hope for. So I sat there and cried as I was terrified.
Why was all of that happening to me? I didn't know. I sat there and rubbed my face frantically, although it did no help to barrage the flooding rivers.
Why did Jimmy get a gun and shoot it my way? Did he hate me that much that he wanted me off the face of the earth? But it sounded so strange because I had never talked to him, even when I was in Tree Hill before I went to rehab. All I knew was that he and Mouth used to be friends. That was before Mouth got close to Lucas and the group. His anxiety was evident and the time capsule was enough proof for that. Probably, it was those bullies. Who were troubling him before we almost walked into the corridor. I genuinely had no idea. But I wanted to know.
It hit my heart like steel. Why was I so caught up in my life that I failed to notice the people around me? Tree Hill is a small town. There aren't a thousand students going here. And I still failed to know the people whom I went here with. The people in my class. The people I did assignments with and partied when the Ravens won a big match. When did I become so self absorbed that I forgot to even see the most obvious sight in front of my eyes.
It shattered my heart into a million pieces.
Haley! I didn't know where she was. Did she get hurt by some glass too? Did she manage to run out? I felt terrible for losing her. If only I hadn't asked her to drive me, she would have hitched a ride with Nathan and Luke. Oh my God! Nathan and Luke. All their faces flashed before my eyes and all the uncertain variables danced around my head.
I didn't know where my friends were. I didn't know where Jimmy was and what he was doing. I had no idea when I would get help. And frankly speaking I didn't know if I was going to see the next day.
The fear of death gripped me hard and cold. That's when I heard some noise. It was faint. They were cautious footsteps. I tried to stifle my cries as I imagined Jimmy to pounce and kill me any second. I was gripping the library carpet with all my might such that my knuckles were as white as a ghost.
I could see a shadow looming up. There was something in the person's hand. However, I was too scared to even bother thinking about what it was. He was approaching towards me, fast.
I cried out in fear as the figure finally approached me and stood in front of me, startling me even though I was aware of his presence.
I let out harder sobs, thinking, there was no way in hell I was going to make it out of here alive.