A/N: Hey guys! Yes, I know I'm evil to poor Leigh and the gang. Mwhahahaha! Thank you for sticking with me and reading it, though. I really do appreciate it!

I do want to say that if this chapter has more grammar or formatting errors than before, my apologies. I'm on a time crunch today, and I wanted to make sure I got something out in case I couldn't find the time to upload.

I also want to say that Leigh's thoughts (particularly in this chapter) don't necessarily reflect my own, and if you personally find yourself struggling in your life, please get help. Anyways, enjoy Chapter 12!

Disclaimer: I do not own Big Time Rush

Chapter 12: Mistakes

Leigh POV

I was pissed. No, scratch that. I was BEYOND pissed. How dare that cop mention the word suicidal? I wanted to slap him and shout to the heavens that there was no way in hell I was suicidal. I could never be suicidal. Because suicide was too good for me. I deserved every single bad thing that happened to me, and I will continue to deserve it until the day I die.

Logically, I knew Officer Butler had to bring it up. A vehicle flying into the lake is not a common occurrence, and questions needed to be answered. Is it possible it was just a crazy happenstance? I wanted to believe it was. I really wanted to believe it was just the universe getting back at me for the things I've done. But mostly, I wanted to believe that it wasn't my past trying to rear its ugly, ugly head again.

I hated this façade I masqueraded in. Day in and day out, I lived this lie. Leigh Gibbs, emancipated minor. That's what the world knew me as. I may just crack. Two years pretending was starting to wear my sanity thin.

A ringing sound disrupted my thoughts. I looked down at my cell phone and it read a local number.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Miss Gibbs? It's Officer Butler."

It had been two weeks since the accident. I knew what this phone call was about.

"You found something." I didn't bother inflecting my voice, knowing that I only "asked" out of formality.

Officer Butler paused, as if figuring out the best way to respond. "Yes…it seems that your brake cables were severed. Based on how it was severed, our specialist believes someone cut them."

I felt cold. It couldn't be. I've been careful, this can't be happening. No…no WAY.

"Miss Gibbs? Are you there?"

"What?"

"You didn't answer my question. In light of recent events, I am compelled to ask: do you have any enemies? Anyone who would want you dead?

I didn't want to believe it. I refused to believe it. After two years, there was no way I could've been found. "No, of course I don't," I lied shamelessly. "I have to go, I'm running late for a photo shoot." I hung up before he could respond.

Maybe if I had decided to come clean, she would still be here.

It started with a phone call.

"Leigh?" I heard Kendall say, his voice quivering.

"Kendall? Kendall, what happened? Is everyone alright?"

I heard him sniffle. He somehow managed to compose himself, because his words came out crystal clear. "Leigh…it's Cassandra. She was murdered last night."

My heart stopped. I willed it to start again as I stuttered, "W-what?"

"They…they found her body early this morning. They're currently doing an autopsy, so we don't know anything for sure. But, the police said her throat was slit."

"Are you ok? How are the others?"

He paused, surprised I actually asked. To be honest, I didn't know what compelled me to. "I don't know. We're all taking the news really hard."

I couldn't blame them. Ever since that mini-concert, Cassandra had become a friend, especially to the boys. I know they were grateful to have someone else suffer through Gustavo's wrath. Even Gustavo was starting to warm up to her, at least according to the guys.

"I'm so sorry. You will let me know when the funeral is, right?"

"O-of course."

We said our goodbyes and hung up. I immediately turned on the television to see if the news had gotten wind of the murder. It had.

Up and coming recording artist Cassandra Rehn was found murdered this morning in West Hollywood. While little is known about the circumstances surrounding Miss Rehn's passing, the police have divulged that a strange symbol was sliced into her hand.

The news anchorwoman continued talking, but I couldn't hear her over the roaring in my ears. There, on the television, was the symbol I have known all my life. I then knew I've messed up royally this time.

The police have also stated that they believe this to be the work of a serial killer who has recently surfaced. Prior to Miss Rehn's passing, two other women were found dead with the same symbol engraved into their skin. Police speculate that there is a correlation between each case. We have learned that each woman had blonde hair and green eyes. Each woman was around 5'4" and weighed approximately 120 pounds. The police have issued a warning for all women, but particularly women in the Hollywood area who match this description.

Shit. That was the exact description of me. I could only hope that the boys didn't watch this. Because if they had, I know they will never let me out of their sight. I turned the TV off, and stewed in silence. The guilt was killing me.

Once again, I was responsible for someone's death.

A/N: Weren't expecting that, were you? Poor Cassandra. Hey, did you guys know there is something called the Cassandra Complex (syndrome)? It stems from a Greek myth about the prophetess Cassandra. Anyways, the Cassandra Complex is (according to Wikipedia): "a term applied to situations in which valid warnings or concerns are dismissed or disbelieved."

Fitting, yeah? I didn't even know this complex existed when I picked the name Cassandra. Funny how it worked out, right?

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It gets even MORE intense from here on out. Hopefully I'll update tomorrow!