It had been two weeks since the photo fiasco. The principal had demanded either Jo or I fess up or both of us would face suspension. I had taken the suspension and let Jo go free, even though I still chose to maintain my fake innocence. Jo deserved to be betrayed; she was nothing to me now.
To make matters worse, I had agreed to do two hundred hours of community service so my permanent record wouldn't be tarnished. Not a fair trade off if you ask me, but I had to do what I had to do.
Even though my hatred for both Jo and Danny only grew with each passing day, I had to pretend we were still on speaking terms at the very least.
After my week long suspension, I returned to find welcome back cards and candy in my locker.
"Surprise!" Jo ran up from behind and hugged me. In all of the years of our friendship, she'd barely ever touched me and now she was giving me a full on embrace. Talk about an invasion of privacy.
It's twisted, in a way. Before the disagreement and the picture, I would have foamed at the mouth at the thought of Jo circling her arms around my waist. Now, everything was different. Jo and Danny seemed to be closer than ever, and I had run out of ideas when it came to getting rid of him once and for all.
"Nice to have you back my friend." Danny gave me a fist bump, and I wrinkled my nose.
"What is all this for? You guys are acting like I was out sick. I got suspended because of you, Jo."
Jo faced me. "What on earth are you talking about Rico?"
"You know exactly what I mean. If you had just-"
"Just what? Taken the blame for something you did? Why? Because I'm supposed to be loyal to you even when you're wrong?"
"You know why I had to do it, Jo. You practically made me do it."
"I didn't make you do anything." Jo glanced at my locker. "And fine, since you don't appreciate your only true friends anymore, fuck it." She grabbed the cards and ripped them in half. As she reached for the Skittles, I stepped in front of her. I knew she hated them, but I wasn't going to stand there and watch my favorite candy be taken from me. Not like how Danny had taken Jo from me.
Danny, who had been leaned up against a nearby wall, removed his earbuds and beckoned to Jo. "Come on, I think it's time we get out of here. Class is starting soon anyway."
I knew he'd been listening. He'd mastered the art of feigning obliviousness. He could see Jo was furious, and he ushered her away before I could do or say anything else. Before they disappeared from view, he turned around and pointed at me, probably warning me to watch my back.
/
At lunch, I thought about apologizing, but then thought better of it. I had no reason to be sorry, and I also had no regrets. Let Jo deal with the repercussions of her decisions.
I was sitting alone on purpose. I could have sat with my fellow Mathletes. However, their favorite conservation topic was the Pythagorean theory and I despised it. Just as I expected, Jo and Danny found me.
"We'll just pretend this morning was a figment of our imaginations." Jo sat down next to me, with Danny on her right.
"Whatever works for you," I opened my milk carton and took a sip. This wasn't what I wanted, but I had to act nonchalant.
"So, my birthday's next weekend," Danny announced. "Do you guys think I should throw a party?"
"Who would you invite?" I scoffed.
Jo kicked me under the table. "I think that's a great idea, Danny. My mom could make her signature coconut cake."
"Oh no. No coconuts. I'm deathly allergic, remember?"
"Drats! How could I forget? You took one bite at my ninth birthday party and then broke into hives."
So Danny was allergic to coconuts. An incomprehensible thought slowly crossed my mind. It was beyond scary to even consider, but I couldn't just let it pass.
"Actually, maybe you should have a party. Invite the soccer team, some hot girls; it could be fun."
"That's the spirit, Rico!" Danny held up his hand for a high five, but I ignored it.
Jo eyed me curiously. "Rico, what's wrong? You've been acting weird since you got back. Did something happen while you were gone?"
"Look, my little vacation was as fun as a root canal. Nothing more, nothing less. Just leave me alone." I took up my tray and walked towards the trash drop off area. I was tired of listening to Danny and Jo recall memories from their childhood, none of which I was a part of. I swallowed hard. He was the reason she was turning into an empty headed wannabe. She didn't realize he wanted girls like Lacey, so he'd never want her. I could think of only one way to show her how much she'd regret abandoning me.
/
I got a text from Danny on my way home from school. Hey, I could really use some help with my math homework. I know you're not busy, so can you come over ASAP?
I stared at my phone in my hand. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to keep myself from shaking. What a prick. He obviously thought I was a loser who had no life, so why did he want me around?
Once I arrived at the Desai house, I rang the doorbell. He answered on the first ring. "Rico, thanks for coming."
"No problem, man." I stepped into the foyer and instantly noticed the zebra stripe patterned fabric on the stairs. I loved zebras. Instead of commenting on it, I followed Danny into the living room.
He settled into a brown chair with a built in cup holder. He pulled his math book onto his lap and switched on the television. "You want a drink, man?"
I sat there, staring into space. My mind was flooded with images of his lifeless body. I could grab the vase sitting on the coffee table and bash him over the head with it. His blood and my DNA would be everywhere. I couldn't even try to feign innocence once his mother found him dead.
"Rico, are you all right buddy?" Danny was in front of me now, shaking my shoulders.
"Uh, yeah. Totally man. Everything's fine." I unzipped my backpack and pulled out my math textbook and some pencils.
"You look like you just saw a ghost." Danny chuckled and flipped the channel. "So I'm having trouble understanding derivatives. Calculus, that's right up your alley if I remember correctly."
I wondered if his aunt's ghost haunted him. Asking him why he did it and if it was worth it. How could a small child commit such a heinous crime and be released back out into the real world? Danny was a psychotic murderer who could strike again at any moment. On anything, anyone. I had to put an end to his sickening mind games. He was probably trying to put all the girls at school under a spell so he could kill them just like he'd killed his aunt.
"Rico? You're doing it again. Are you sure it's not a bad time? You look a little spaced out."
"It's nothing dude. What page are you on?"
"235."
"Okay, derivatives. One of my favorite math concepts." After I'd explained how to find them and shown him a couple of examples, he invited me into the kitchen.
"Oatmeal raisin cookies, my favorite." He took a bite and sighed. "I sure missed these in juvie."
I took one and held it at arm's length to inspect it. Maybe he was already way ahead of me. "They're not burned, Rico. My mom's are the best. Just try it."
Not wanting to seem even more suspicious, I took a bite. It was delicious. "So tell me about your experiences while you were away, Danny. What was it like?" I had always wanted to get into the mind of a convicted killer. It was scary being so up close and personal, especially with no one else around, but this was the only way I could dehumanize him.
"It wasn't as bad as it could have been. My first day there was pretty rough. But I didn't get beat up as often as some of the other guys. I had a really nice cell mate. Basically, before I knew it, the five years was up."
No way. No way was it that simple. He made it sound like boarding school or something. "You were never scared? You didn't miss home at all?" I prodded, hoping he would be honest.
"I was scared the first week. I missed my parents. Jo and Lacey, too of course. I imagined being able to leave after one or two years instead of five. My lawyer told me to take it one day at a time and focus on the brighter side of it all, however impossible it may seem." He took up another cookie and then opened the fridge. He set a milk carton onto the table and poured himself a glass. "You want some?"
"Uh…no, I'm fine thanks." I narrowed my eyes as he turned away to return the milk carton to the fridge. How could he go from talking about being cut off from the outside world like a caged animal to milk and cookies without batting an eye? Something was seriously wrong with this guy.
"Do you need help with anything else?"
"No, I think that was it. You really helped. I think I'll have more than a snowball's chance in hell when I take the test next week." He smiled. "Thanks a lot, man."
"No problem. Any time." I grabbed my book bag and headed for the door.
He proffered the plate of oatmeal raisin cookies. "None for the road?"
"I'll pass." Even though they were delicious, I didn't need to be accepting food from this lunatic.
"See you at school tomorrow!"
"Maybe not," I grumbled, opening the door and stepping outside.
/
I decided to head to the library and do some research on food allergies. After reading some articles on WebMD, I made my final decision. It was extremely difficult to imagine myself doing something so evil, but I was desperate. I was desperate for the attention Danny so effortlessly received. Everyone pretended to hate his guts, but I knew how most of the girls really felt. Lacey and Jo were only two of many who had fallen victim to his charm and good lucks.
Since the photo didn't seem to sway Jo, she obviously didn't care that she'd never have Danny where she wanted him. All she cared about was his companionship, no matter how nonsexual. This was definitely a blow to my ego. I thought she would have seen him for who he really was once and for all. I pictured her running into my arms, tears streaming down her face after she saw the pictures plastered to the walls. Instead, she'd completely ignored the obvious, choosing to focus on the faults in our ever deteriorating friendship.
It pained me to imagine Jo getting hurt. I loved her with all my heart. Although I had no proper way of showing my feelings, I think getting rid of Danny once and for all would certainly help my case.
On his birthday, I would bring over a small cake before the party. If he asked any questions, I would tell him to try it. Meanwhile, I would ask to use his bathroom and rummage through his medicine cabinet until I found his EpiPen. I would pocket it, find an excuse to rush out, and be on my way. Eventually, he would realize what had happened, hopefully after his throat closed up.
Even though my interest in murder, mystery, and the mind was immeasurable, I had never thought of myself as capable of doing such a thing. I didn't want to stoop to Danny's level. Becoming a secondhand version of him was never my intention. If I was able to go through with my plan, I hoped to teach Jo, Karen Desai, and the students of Green Grove High School a lesson. You can't let the bad guys win. And what is that old saying, again?
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
/
"Rico!" Jo ran up to me after the bell ending second period sounded. "What's been up with you lately? You haven't come to the diner three nights in a row."
"I've just been doing some solo studying." She gave me a strange look. "Is that a problem?"
"No, I just thought you hated studying alone." I turned away and began walking to my locker.
"Is something wrong? Is your little brother sick again?" I felt the tips of my ears burn red. Jo knew talking about Ramon was off limits. He suffered from chronic seizures and had been in and out of the hospital since he was three.
I whipped around. "Why are you doing this, huh? Are you trying to appeal to my emotions? Because you're doing a terrible job."
"Rico, I just want to know why. Why you're not acting like my best friend anymore. The best friend I know."
Our eyes locked. Jo's were watery, and I'm sure mine were cold and hard. "Jo, I-"
"What's going on, guys?" Danny appeared out of nowhere, shattering the tension.
"Nothing," Jo whispered. She began walking away. "Come on Danny."
He took a step forward, then looked back at me. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh, it will be," I replied. Soon enough.
/
The first few days of my community service were awful. I wondered if my punishment was anywhere near as bad as what Danny had gone through. I would have asked him, but I couldn't tell anyone about the community service, not even my parents. After I revealed I'd been suspended for a whole week, they refused to acknowledge me with more than polite greetings and one word answers.
Even though most people at school didn't even know my name, I still refused to believe I didn't matter. Danny was the one who didn't matter. He was going to hell anyway, so why waste time trying to build a relationship with him? Once he sunk his teeth in, his next victim was forever tainted. He'd already done it to Jo, apparently Lacey too, and he probably thought I was next.
After I'd sorted all two hundred files and turned them into the secretary, I was finally allowed to take a break. I checked my phone and saw a missed call from Jo. I clicked on her contact information, pressed call, and waited. She picked up right before it went to voicemail.
"Thanks for calling back. I almost thought we weren't friends anymore."
"Jo, stop being dramatic. We're not in first grade or anything. Of course we're still friends. Now, what did you need to talk to me about?"
"I thought you were coming over to my place to help me and Danny write up the invitations."
"Shoot, I forgot. I promised my mom I'd mow the lawn."
"Danny didn't see you when he was walking home from school. What's going on, Rico?"
My nostrils flared. "Nothing, Jo. Tell Danny to stay out of my fucking business." I pressed end. It was just like him to start keeping tabs on me. Just like any other criminal who had tracks to cover. I needed to start taking notes for when it was my turn.
/
I woke up with a start, sweating as if I'd run for miles and miles. I dreamed of spirits, séances, and the afterlife. What was Tara Desai doing in the afterlife? Would she want to reconnect with Danny once he joined her there? If I really went through with this, would I be just another criminal who deserved to burn in hell?
Tara had earned her wings, but I knew I never could. I had to sacrifice peace after death because of her nephew. He left me no choice.
I slowly got dressed. When I opened my drawer to (hopefully) find two matching socks, I noticed an envelope with my name on it lying on the floor. It must have fallen out of my backpack yesterday afternoon. Jo had given me the invitation two days ago. It was now the day before the party.
Right now, I was scared out of my mind. Once I did this, my life would be forever changed. My freedom would be gone. My family would disown me. Even though I didn't have to go through with it, I went to the store and purchased the cake anyway. I still had time to back out, but I didn't think Danny amounted to $9.99. He was worthless. A seemingly innocent birthday gift would prove to be the end of him, if I got what I wanted. For once, I hoped at least one of my dreams would come true.
/
Saturday morning. My last day of being Rico Rodriguez, the average high school loser. Tonight, I would go to sleep a killer. Tomorrow morning I would wake up and go to church as a sinner. Thou shall not kill? What about self defense, protection? Danny was already a murderer. Killing him would hurt no one.
My parents had taken Ramon to the doctor an hour before, so I went down to the kitchen and poured myself a bowl of cereal. My hands shook as I watched the cornflakes fall. I spilled the milk onto the counter as I tried to pour it because I couldn't stop fidgeting. I inhaled sharply and sopped up the milk with a dishrag.
I stared at the bowl of cornflakes. I couldn't eat. I could barely think straight. The house phone rang, but I didn't answer it. If I talked to anyone before I saw Danny, I would probably break down and confess to a crime that hadn't even been committed yet.
Since it was only 10:30, I had some time to kill. Time to kill before I killed an actual person. How appropriate. I considered going back to sleep, but I needed to review the plan in my head before the time came. Mistakes were not an option here.
I would take the cake over to Danny's house. Make him eat a piece. Steal the EpiPen. Leave within five minutes. Bury the EpiPen near the old fort. Return home and act normal. Then I would wait. Wait for the nightly news to announce the long overdue death of Danny Desai. My work would be done.
/
At noon, the doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole. It was Jo as usual, popping up at the worst times. I answered it, still in my pajamas. "Um, what are you doing here?"
"Rico, hey, I wanted to know if you were still coming to the party."
I shook my head. "My parents need some help painting Ramon's new room."
"But-"
"But nothing Jo! I'm not going."
Jo cleared her throat. "Fine. Bye I guess." She spun around, mounted her bike, and rode off.
I slammed the door. It was time.
/
A little over an hour later, I knocked three times on the door, cake in hand. Danny opened it, a huge smile on his face. "Hey man, you're here early."
"Yeah, I wanted to drop this off."
"Jo told me you had to bail." I sniffed. His cologne was so strong, I almost choked.
"I won't be long," I snapped. He gave me a look, then led me inside.
"Thanks," he said, taking the cake from me and setting it on the kitchen counter. "Is it my favorite?"
"You know it." I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should find some excuse to take it back or convince him not to eat any. Then I studied him as he moved casually around the kitchen. The sway of his skinny hips, his perfect posture, how much bigger his shoes were than mine. His hair was down, and it kept falling into his face. I bet Jo wanted to run her hands through it. Too bad she'd never get the chance.
"Did you want to help set up?"
"Nah, I really should head back." I glanced over my shoulder. "But can I use your restroom first?"
"Sure. Upstairs, second door on the left." I jogged up the stairs, found the bathroom, and made sure to lock the door behind me. I stood there with my back to the door for two and a half minutes, in case he'd followed me upstairs.
Then I flushed the toilet for show and ran the faucet while I rummaged through the medicine cabinet. Where was his EpiPen? After ten minutes of searching turned up nothing, I came out of the bathroom to find Danny standing in the hallway.
"You okay man? I was about to come check on you."
"Ah, that bowel movement." I clutched my stomach. "Don't go in there for a while, just a warning."
He smirked and we both walked back downstairs. "Would you like a piece of cake? It's delicious, I already tried it."
Perfect. I didn't even have to coax him into it. He fell into the trap all on his own. "No thanks, dude. I should be on my way. It's almost two."
As I was about to leave, I turned and saw him licking some icing off his fingers. "Have a nice time tonight," I called out, even though I knew the party wouldn't be happening. I wondered how long it would take before he realized. I couldn't find his EpiPen in the bathroom and I hadn't gotten the chance to check his room, but hopefully he wouldn't have time to find it before…the end.
/
As soon as I got home, I raced upstairs and started bawling. What had I done? I was a monster. I could never beg for forgiveness because I didn't deserve it. I had taken another human life out of jealousy. How could someone like me be the perpetrator in a crime of passion?
There was a knock at my door. "Rico, dinner's almost ready!" My mom called out.
I sniffled. "I'm not hungry."
My phone rang again and again, but I refused to answer it. I knew it was Jo. Finally, after working up the nerve to lift my head from my pillow, I picked up my phone. A record ten missed calls from Jo. I couldn't bring myself to listen to the voicemails.
My phone vibrated in my hand. I answered it this time. "Jo?"
"Rico, you won't you believe this." I could hear the tears in her voice. "Danny's dead."
I cleared my throat. "What do you mean, Danny's dead?" I tried to hide the fact that I, too, had been crying.
"His mom found him when she came home from work, a few hours before the party was supposed to start. She said he was all swollen, like he'd had an allergic reaction."
"Oh my gosh," I breathed out, doing my best to act completely shocked. So Danny hadn't gotten to his EpiPen in time. He was really dead. Because of me. "I'm so sorry Jo."
"I am too," she croaked, her voice breaking. She took a shuddery breath. "I just lost my best friend." I shook my head. She'd already lost her true best friend the moment she let back Danny into her life.
"His family will be in my prayers," I lied before ending the call. Jo still couldn't let go of him, even after death. No matter what I did, he would always have the top spot in her heart. I would never be him. Jo would never let anyone take his place.
A/N: I decided to turn this into a three part story. Thanks to the few people who reviewed Part I! Hope you enjoyed Part II and please review!