After finally being released from the hospital, my parents had a great arguement with me about several things. Why I didn't call them to tell them that my date was canceled. What I was doing at the house with April there. A few times, they asked if I was hiding something from them.

Of course, I tried to explain and deny that I was hiding something from them. I hated trying to lie to them but there are many things that would go wrong if I told them the truth. They'd think I was making up some stupid story if I told them about the Cenobites. They would also assume I was on drugs or something for talking about that. They would instantly believe I was the murderer and turn me in. They would also have to live with the shame of having a son like me.

Dispite my injury, I was grounded until further notice. Of course, we all knew "further notice" meant until we heard if April pressed charges against me.

I somehow ended up catching up with the work I missed out on and then finishing the exams. I honestly thought I would fail but it turned out that I passed. That also meant that in the next week, I'd be graduating with everyone. Then, I'll be able to move out of here and go to college!

That was until Dad and I went to the store for groceries and heard April talking to some of her friends.

"I know it was Korey. Who else would do this to me?"

"But, you didn't even see him. How could you know for sure?"

"Who else besides him would try to kill me after I insulted him?"

"It does sound reasonable but it could be someone else. You weren't really a witness."

"I don't care. I'd do anything to get that guy put away."

"So, does that mean you're going to press charges?"

"Yes. I've already told that to the cops. Now, let's see him do anything after that." After hearing that, Dad and I continued our shopping, went home, and then he yelled at me for what having charges pressed against me. Everything around me was going into chaos.

Hearing this, Mom and Dad both agreed that I would be grounded until the day of my first court hearing. What hurt worse than any of this was when they told me they were both very disappointed in me.

I admit, there were several times when I made my parents disappointed. But this, this was the worst.

There was one day that they made me run a bunch of errands and I met Samantha on my way back from it all. She was already getting into her summer clothing while I was stuck in the fall clothes. I wear pants, t-shirts, tennis shoes, and a jacket all year 'round but that doesn't matter right now.

She walked up to me and started to talk to me while walking to my house.

"Hey, I haven't seen much of you since graduation. You haven't even picked up your phone for a few weeks. Is everything okay?"

"No. Dad and I overheard April talking about pressing charges against me. So, now I'm grounded until the date I have to go to court."

"That sucks. How long will that be?"

"Within another week, I think."

"That's pretty long." It was Sunday and my court date was scheduled for that following Monday. Each day had felt to me like a long torturous minute. I wanted to get it over with even if I was convicted for attempted murder.

"I don't think my parents would be okay with me talking to you."

"Well, it's been two weeks since we graduated and I haven't once uttered a single word to you."

"Well, we talked and I'm almost at my house now."

"Korey," her tone went from concerned to seductive. I was not in the mood for one of her moments.

"Maybe I can entertain you until your court date? You know, we could have a little fun until you might be shipped off to jail." A nerve somewhere inside my twisted head snapped.

"For the last fucking time, I'm not going to have sex with you, Samantha! I will not do anything if you keep pestering about it to me, you little slut! You and your mom know full well what's wrong with me, and there's nothing that either of you can change about it!" I ran off to my house, tried very hard to calmly tell my parents I did what they asked, and went into my room to punch my pillow a few dozen times.

The pillow was my only punching bag and would be the only thing to help not attract any unwanted attention.

A cold chill brought me out of my rage and put me into alart mode. I turned around to find the Cenobites were back.

"I'm being charged for murder, my parents hate me, my girlfriend won't treat me seriously, and I'm going to jail because everyone here hates my guts."

"You didn't need to tell us. We already know."

"I know. I just felt like saying it so that I can release the tension."

"Do you need a break from the mortal world?" Female asked.

"Yes. I'm going to need a long break." My room changed again and I was in Hell where, strangely, I felt comforted.

For most of that day, I stayed in Hell and talked to most of the Cenobites. Weirdly, I felt myself being closer to them than I ever thought I could. But it was still okay with me.

It wasn't until Female asked me something that I became uncomfortable being there.

"There's something I'd like to ask you, Korey," she told me.

"What is it?"

"We've all noticed something about your mind that's interested us."

"Oh? And what is that?"

"Why is the Chatterer one of the only Cenobites on your mind?" This was not the question I'd ever expected to hear.

"I don't know. I guess because I think he's cool or something."

"Or maybe Korey likes Chatterer," Butterball blurted out. They all started snickering except for Chatterer. He was probably greatly annoyed as I was those several hours ago. I was actually embarrassed for different reasons.

I wanted to protest against that thought but wasn't able to. I was forced out of Hell and back into my room, where I heard my dad call my name for some supper.