Chapter 2
Class ended and Kari felt the weight of the day sitting heavily on her shoulders. She needed to sleep. She wanted to sleep so badly. She pulled herself out of her seat and stood. The woman was in the classroom. She would move around and at that moment. Kari was so tired of seeing her. She wasn't paying attention to where she was standing now. Kari gathered her binder and went to reach for the water bottle on her desk. It was swiped off the desk and Kari frowned.
"Uh-" she stopped seeing TK grinning at her.
"Didn't take you for a theif Kamiya." Kari rolled her eyes. She tried to think of a quip or of a fun comment. Nothing came.
"Sorry." She smiled. TK looked down at her.
"It's okay. You're always welcome to it." Kari nodded and smiled
"I really need to get home." Kari didn't even elaborate. She gave a smile to TK and then her face fell. She was starting to feel dizzy. Almost like she was walking through a fog. She walked past TK and didn't bother to wait for a reply or even say goodbye to anyone else. Kari walked to her locker and was a bit surprised to see it closed and locked. She wondered who could have done that. Her mind felt tired
"I don't care." Kari said quietly to herself. She had no energy to think. She decided against needing anything from her locker.
"It's empty." She said again to herself. She walked briskly down the hall. She kept her shoulders back and her chin up. She didn't want to show how fatigued she was. She gave a wave to a few people she knew but kept walking. The woman wasn't around and for that Karl was grateful.
I need to beat her home. That was Kari's plan. To get home before the woman and try to get maybe even an hour of sleep. She wasn't sure how it worked. Was the woman walking to her house and therefore Kari could be rid of her simply by moving faster? Or was she a phantom popping in and out at her whim? Kari felt she knew the answer. But still, thinking she had some control gave her a small bit of comfort. Kari left the school grounds. The eyes of peers were few and far between. She let her shoulders roll forward. She let her face fall and she now slumped her way to her apartment. She pushed on the temples of her head. She opened her mouth ready to speak to the universe. A woman pushing a stroller came into view. Kari closed her mouth. She adjusted the way she was holding her binder. She stopped
"I forgot my bag." Kari felt so foolish. Her phone, wallet and other necessities were in her backpack. Which was in her locker. She turned to look back at the school, the distance, in truth, wasn't far. But her vision wobbled and suddenly the school was a speck in the distance. She couldn't muster the strength to walk back. She blew out a breath. Tears threatened to fall, she wanted to be home. She turned back towards home and walked fast, and then faster. She sped walked all the way home. She could barely remember walking the flight of stairs up to her apartment. She saw her front door and again, tears threatened to fall. She opened the door and realised it was unlocked. She almost pumped her fist in the air relieved she could get in. She walked in and called into the house.
"Mum?" Kari slipped her shoes off and placed her binder down. Kari turned and closed the door. Her mother came in from the balcony.
"Hi hun, was just watering the plants. How was school?" Kari nodded.
"Fine." Her mum came towards the kitchen putting the watering can down on the counter.
"I'm just stepping out to pick up some noodles for dinner tonight. Anything you need for your trip tomorrow?" Kari shook her head
"No just have to be at the school for 7." She couldn't believe she was having this conversation. The words felt like they weren't hers. Some how she was conversing with her mother and retaining things from school. Kari thought perhaps an alien had taken over, her mum seemed to not notice anything odd. Kari's mum patted Kari on the shoulder and grabbed her purse.
"Be back in an hour." Her mum then moved to the front door got her shoes on and then was gone. Kari let the silence set in for a moment. It was nice. For about a minute. Then Kari felt afraid.
Please don't come. Kari thought to herself. She couldn't see or feel the woman's presence. Kari moved to the couch. And laid down. She closed her eyes and prayed that sleep would find her.
TK frowned as Kari moved past him. She was struggling with something. He just wished he knew what. TK looked at his phone he had a missed text.
Can you meet at the park?
TK nodded at his phone and quickly responded to the text. He pocketed his phone and then noticed Davis coming out of the classroom.
"Davis." Davis waved to two guys
"K I'll catch you guys later!" Davis said goodbye to his friends. He turned to look at TK with a smile on his face.
"Sup dude." TK didn't return the smile.
"Something happened." TK said in a low voice. Davis rolled his eyes.
"This about Kari?" Davis asked and TK nodded. Davis blew out a breath as TK nodded.
"Man, yes, she's not doing great but maybe she's just going through it right now. I mean I just feel like she'll talk to us when she's ready." TK clenched his fists. Images of the dark ocean came to him.
"Davis please take this seriously." TK almost spat. Davis put his hands on TK's shoulders.
"I'm on your side! Don't forget I care about her too!" Davis spoke louder. Some people looked but most didn't pay much attention. Davis squeezed TK's shoulders.
"Dude, we're spending the next three days with her. She's gonna be fine." TK tried to breathe in Davis' words. He wanted to find comfort in them. He didn't.
"Her locker was open." TK stated and Davis removed his hands from TK's shoulders.
"K I'm out. TK you're a good friend but I can't think about her like you do. It would hurt to much. I gotta believe she's okay." Davis stepped back.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Davis turned and walked away. TK frowned.
Am I too protective? Should I back off? Thoughts of the day and the past week flooded TK. She was pale. She wasn't eating. The blood running down her arm made TK shake. His phone buzzed.
Now?
TK sighed. He'd see Kari tomorrow. Until then. He had something else that he needed to take care of.
On my way. He replied.
Davis felt conflicted. It was a bit of jealousy that he felt thinking about how much TK cared. How Kari's distress seemed to physically pain him. He frowned unable to allow his heart go that deep. he then got mad
"I care! I care so much about her!" He spoke quietly to himself. He hated this. He loved his friendship with TK and Kari. But, there was this competition between the two boys and Davis felt he was doing better. Now, seeing how affected TK is, he felt like he can't compete. Davis groaned
"Oh fuck it." Davis whipped out his phone. He dialed a number and put the phone up to his ear.
"Hello?" Davis inhaled
"Hey Tai." Davis listened as Tai greeted him.
"Hey man! How are you?" Davis nodded.
"Good. I mean yeah I'm good." Davis said stumbling over his words.
"Yeah? You sure?" Tai asked and Davis felt a sinking feeling. This was a TK move and he wasn't sure he wanted to do this anymore. Davis swallowed and spoke anyway
"I'm just curious if Kari's chatted with you?" Tai adjusted the phone.
"No I got practice though. You guys good?" Davis saw his way out. Abandon ship.
"Oh yeah! Great! Excited for tomorrow. You go practice. Have fun!" Davis pulled the phone away as he heard Tai stumble
"Er-okay bye Davis." Davis pressed end on his phone. He then put a hand to his face. He felt like a dolt.
"I am an embarrassment." He said to himself. He put his phone away and walked towards the park. He was running the previous conversation over and over in his head. He needed to just get home and play some video games. That would clear his head. A small voice said and pack. He rolled his eyes at his own thoughts. He felt a little trapped in his brain. He straightened up and looked around. He saw blond hair through the trees. Davis squinted. It was TK. Davis put his hand up to wave TK over
Maybe I should hear him out. Then we can both go see Kari.
Davis started waving then slowly stopped. Jade was there. Not only was she with TK she was in his arms. The two were hugging. Davis raised an eyebrow and lowered his hand.
"What?" Davis whispered. Neither turned and so Davis stood watching them hug. Davis bit his lower lip. He looked around. No other peers were around. Davis sighed.
"Now that's two friends with secrets. Great." Davis spoke now angry. He kicked at a rock. It ricocheted off a tin garbage can. TK and Jade broke apart. TK looked back. And he and Davis locked eyes. It was on the tip of Davis' tongue to wave or say something. Davis looked down at his shoes. He then carried on walking to his home.
Tai drank feverishly from his water bottle. He felt good. His practice had run long but he felt strong. He had done really well in his drills and felt more and more confident on the pitch. Tai leaned forward and squeezed the remainder of the cold water onto his neck. It cooled him down slightly.
"Good practice Tai. We're back Thursday then game on Saturday." Tai nodded and dropped his water bottle into his duffle bag.
"You got it. See you coach." His coach waved and went towards the locker room. Tai thought about showering at school then decided he wanted to get home. He kicked his boots off and slipped on his runners. He then put the strap of his bag over his right shoulder.
"See ya guys." Tai waved to his teammates and went over to the bike racks. He spun the lock around entering the combination. He spun the last digit into place and unlocked the clasp.
"Tai." Tai turned seeing Matt walking towards him.
"What are you doing here?" Tai asked his friend. Tai locked his lock around his bike.
"Chatting with the guidance counsellor. Apparently I qualify for a university scholarship." Tai was impressed. He pulled his bike out of its slot.
"How so? Good grades?" Tai said sarcastically. Matt frowned.
"Music dipshit." Tai nodded.
"Ah right, extra curricular." Tai stated. Matt stared at his friend.
"Whatever smart ass. How was practice?" Tai smiled
"Ah you know… easy." He said smugly. Matt rolled his eyes. The two friends were quiet. Tai was thinking and then smiled. He wanted to hang out with Matt. He realized the two hadn't hung out in a while. He missed his friend. They would never admit it but…. Tai smirked. Yeah we should hang out.
"Hey, erm… I gotta ask you something." Matt said carefully. Tai nodded and then rocked his bike forward then back.
"Shoot." Matt looked almost uncomfortable. A face Tai very rarely saw on his friend. He opened his mouth, he was going to crack a joke. Ease the tension. Matt then spoke.
"Sora and I are going for coffee later." Tai closed his mouth.
"So…." Matt stopped talking. Tai wasn't sure what he was supposed to do with this information.
"K. That it?" Tai asked. Matt then ran a hand through his blond locks.
"Kind of?" Matt asked. Tai raised an eyebrow. Matt then frowned.
"I mean. You know." Matt said. Tai had a pit in his stomach. He felt like he did know. He decided to ignore it.
"Alright. I'll talk to you later." Tai said and he turned his bike. He didn't smile at Matt. He was feeling angry. Matt put a hand on Tai's shoulder.
"Man I'm not trying-" Tai swallowed and looked up at Matt. He smiled.
"Tell her I say hi." Tai turned. His back was to Matt. His face fell from a smile into a straight glare. He pushed his bike forward and then lifted his leg over the seat. He then pushed off with his right foot and started pedalling home.
"Asshole." Tai mumbled to himself. He left Matt and Tai felt the air hit his face as he made his way home. It didn't feel like enough. He needed to feel something, something intense. He peddled faster and faster. He rode carelessly weaving through traffic even though he had a bike lane.
"Fucking asshole." Tai spat and he decided to take a longer route home. He dodged a black car and smirked as the driver honked and swore. He wanted to fight. He wanted to scream and hit something… or someone. He rounded the corner going through an ally. He avoided a man getting out of his car. Tai nearly clipped him as he passed. He inhaled feeling almost power with every person he pissed off. He saw his apartment. It was too fast. He wasn't ready to go home yet. He felt rage fill up in him. He'd keep biking, he'd stop only when exhaustion forced him to stop. There was a loud honk and Tai skidded to a halt. He looked to his left. A semi truck was inches from him and his bike.
"Jesus Christ kid! What were you thinking?! I coulda killed you!" The truck driver was yelling at Tai. Tai felt his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe how close he came to being hit by a vehicle. He looked around. He was in the middle of the road. He hadn't even noticed. Tai swallowed and gave a wave to the driver. Tai then looked both ways and crossed the street without incident. He made it to the sidewalk and Tai stopped and got off his bike. He thought back to Matt. For a moment he didn't care. For a moment he was relieved he hadn't been hit by the truck. He looked at his apartment building to the right. Tai frowned, the moment was over and he forced himself to move towards home.
Tai locked up his bike. He adjusted his bag and then made the walk up the stairs. He no longer craved intense feelings. He just wanted to lay in his bed. He reached his floor and walked over to the front door. He pulled out his key and slipped it into the keyhole. He turned it and realized, it was already open. He turned the knob and pulled his key out. The door opened and Tai walked in.
"Hey mum." Tai called he shut the door behind him and slipped off his shoes.
"Mum?" He called while taking his bag off. No answer and Tai rolled his eyes.
"Kari you can't leave the door open. You have to lock it when you're here." Tai called to his sister. His mum rarely left it unlocked and his dad was very against leaving doors unlocked
"The Stevensons got broken into last week." His dad reported one night at dinner.
"Crime is going up kids. Don't you ever leave the door unlocked. Robbers broke in at 5pm. 5pm! Kids were home. It was a mess." Tai and Kari shared a look at their dad's antics. Tai came back to the present. The apartment was quiet. He looked into the living room and saw the back of his sisters head. She was sitting on the ground. Tai walked over to the couch.
"Kar did you hear me?" Tai asked. He came around to the front of the couch. Kari was sitting on the floor staring ahead. He gave her a soft nudge with his foot.
"Earth to Kari." Tai said. Kari looked up at him.
"Sorry. My bad." Kari said. Tai looked at her confused. She looked tired.
"You alright?" Tai asked. Kari took a moment and then nodded.
"Long day." Tai nodded and then sat on the couch.
"Yeah. Kind of a shit one eh?" Tai asked as he leaned back on the couch. Kari nodded.
"Yeah, stupid." Kari said. Tai smirked.
"Where's mum?" Tai asked and he started cracking his fingers.
"Oh uhmm… I don't know." Kari said. Tai looked at her oddly.
"She didn't leave a note?" Kari shook her head and rubbed her eyes.
"No I talked to her. I just can't remember what she said." Tai gave her a light kick.
"What's going on with you?" Tai asked. He'd be concerned if he wasn't feeling so exhausted. Kari shrugged.
"Nothing. I need to pack." Kari stood and Tai raised an eyebrow.
"Your arm looks kind of injured." Tai stated. Kari looked at her arm. She visibly shuddered.
"Like you said, shit day." She then turned and went to her room. Tai nodded. He agreed. He looked up at the ceiling and flashes of Matt and Sora came to his mind.
"Yeah, shit day."
Kari stared at the ceiling. Her alarm was gently ringing and Kari felt her heart ache. It couldn't be morning. She slowly sat up and then gasped. The woman was standing next to Kari's desk her hand on Kari's alarm clock. Kari stared at her, Kari's heart rate increased as the woman looked into her eyes. Kari's lips parted. She thought about saying something, anything. The door to her room opened. Kari looked as her brother walked in shaking his head.
"Kari you need to shut this damn alarm off!" Tai was mad. Kari watched him move to stand next to the woman. The woman did not look at Tai, only Kari. Kari watched Tai's hand go through the woman's hand and push the button on top of the alarm. The noise stopped. The woman stood still. She continued looking only at Kari. Tai paid her no attention.
"You listening?" Tai snapped. Kari looked over at her brother. The woman stared at her. Tai and her stood shoulder to shoulder. Kari felt empty.
"Hello?" Tai was irritated. Kari had heard this tone from him many times. Mostly when Kari wasn't paying enough attention to him. It almost felt like she was the older sibling and her brother was a toddler. He'd come home describing a play he made in soccer. Kari would be texting a friend. He'd get irritated and start yelling at her
"Kari! Pay attention! Look!" He'd yell and then throw his hands up in frustration. Kari would put her phone down and look at her brother. Tai would then storm out of the room claiming she never listens when he talks.
Tai stared daggers at her and usually, this would be enough for Kari to apologize and feel bad that she wasn't giving her brother the attention he needed. This time
However, Kari didn't care. Tai threw his hands up,
"K whatever." Tai stormed out of the room. Kari watched but said nothing. She then looked back up at her ceiling. She needed to get up. She needed to get ready. She stood and almost wanted the woman to grab her or speak to her. Kari felt angry and she wanted to fight someone. The woman didn't speak nor did she move. Kari avoided looking at her. Kari got dressed in her uniform and grabbed her bag. She then frowned. She had not packed. She felt a tingle, a slight panic. She shook her head. She had wanted to dress cute for when she had down time. She wanted to try her hand at being flirty and maybe catch a gaze or two. She thought of Jade, the girl was always photo ready. Jade did her makeup and hair everyday for school. Kari had worn makeup a handful of times. Usually Yolie would apply some. Kari wasn't too fussed with how she looked. She felt confident most of the time. Lately, her self esteem had been dropping. She felt more and more self conscious. Jades appearance yesterday had struck a cord in Kari. Kari wanted to look pretty and she felt this trip was the perfect place to try out a more confident look. Kari looked at her empty bag. She had no energy to find a cute outfit or fumble around for makeup that she was sure she had somewhere in her room. Kari submitted, she was slowly going mad. She might as well look the part.
Kari left her room with her bag open. She had thrown her clothes in with no regard for tidiness. Kari placed her bag on the floor next to the kitchen table. Her mother opened her bedroom door.
"Hi sweetie. I wanted to give you a hug." Kari's mum looked tired. Kari knew it was early even for her mum. Kari walked over to her parents bedroom door.
"Have so much fun my girl." Kari hugged her mum and then stepped back.
"I'll see you when you get home." Kari's mum waved and then closed the bedroom door. Kari walked over to the table. She rubbed her eyes and thought about packing a lunch or something to eat. She went to the fridge. She opened it and saw some leftovers from last nights dinner. Kari had skipped dinner claiming she was packing. She looked at the food and her mouth started watering. She grabbed the left overs and placed them on the counter. She closed the fridge and grabbed a fork from the cutlery drawer. She pulled back the cellophane and readied her fork. She moved her fork towards the noodles and then recoiled. The noodles were moving. Kari looked closer. Maggots, maggots could be seen moving around the noodles. Kari gasped and swatted at the plate. The plate flew off the counter and shattered on the ground. The maggots were now moving on the ground Kari let out a scream as she scrambled back.
"Seriously Kari?!" Tai appeared and Kari was breathing heavily.
"The food- the food it was moving!" Kari tried to explain. Tai came around to the kitchen and looked on the floor. Her brother shook his head.
"Kari my alarm will be going off soon. Can you be considerate for one second that the rest of the house is still sleeping?!" Tai was pissed. Really pissed. Kari nodded but then shook her head.
"Tai just look!" Kari pointed at the ground. She then looked and felt her stomach drop. There were no maggots. No critters moving in the food. The noodles were still. Kari felt her breathing pick up.
"No Tai I swear the noodles they were moving!" Tai stared at her. Kari realized she had two choices. She could plead with her brother, then tell him about her lack of sleep. Tell him all about the dead woman that was standing with them. Or she could apologize and continue her suffering in solitude. She stood tall. She needed to unburden herself. She couldn't keep taking this on.
"Tai-" Tai cut her off.
"Kar, I am going back to bed. I had a shit day yesterday and I'd like to get another half hour of sleep before I have another shit day." Kari closed her mouth. Tai looked at her.
"Have fun on your trip." Tai sounded indifferent. Not apologetic but not mad either. Tai went back to his room and closed the door. Kari felt her eyes well up with tears. She wanted to tell him. She wanted his help. She rubbed her nose quickly. She then got on her hands and knees and started picking up the broken plate pieces. She turned and opened the cupboard under the sink. She sniffled and a few tears fell down her cheeks. She pulled the rubish bin from under the sink. She started picking up pieces of plate, noodles and veggies and putting them in the bin. She rubbed her nose and put her hand down on the ground to scoop up more food. The woman grabbed her wrist
"Will it stop?! If I go away will it stop?!" The woman reefed on Kari's wrist. The same wrist she had injured the day before. Kari growled.
"Get away from me." Kari spoke with venom. The woman stared at Kari and then did something she had never done before. A small smile curled at the corner of her mouth. Kari watched as the woman looked her in the eyes wearing a sinister smile.
Davis ran to school. "Shit shit shit!" Davis swore to himself as he sprinted around the corner. He saw the bus and swore again,
"God damn it!" Davis legged it to the bus.
"Whoa whoa Mr. Motimya. We aren't boarding yet." Davis stopped in front of his teacher. His teacher then gestured behind him, just out of Davis' view. Davis peered around his teacher and noticed his whole class standing together. The students looked at Davis and a few chuckled as Davis bowed and apologized to their teacher. Davis adjusted the duffle bag on his shoulder. He then squeezed his way through the sea of classmates. He saw blonde and bee lined for his friend. TK's back was to Davis. Davis put his hand out to grab TK's shoulder. He saw Jade out of the corner of his eye. She flipped her hair while talking to her friends. Davis stopped. He had forgotten about yesterdays encounter. Jade in TK's arms. It made Davis feel uncomfortable. It felt oddly wrong. Davis stepped back deciding to change course. Dominic clapped Davis on the shoulder,
"Thought you were late huh?" Davis nodded,
"Oh yeah. I thought we were leaving at 7?" Davis asked and Dominic removed his hand from Davis' shoulder.
"Yeah bus drivers not ready so they didn't want us to board yet." Dominic explained. Davis nodded understanding. Davis saw a familiar head moving through the classmates.
"See you on the bus." Davis said goodbye to Dominic who was already talking to someone else. Davis went through a group of girls. He smirked noticing one of them, May, give him a once over.
"Kar!" Davis called. Kari was moving towards the school entrance.
"Bus is back here Kamiya!" Davis quipped. Kari looked at Davis and nodded,
"Yeah just a moment." Kari said quickly. Davis was confused. Kari continued walking. Davis looked around and then decided to follow. He started walking when a hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Davis hi!" Davis was pulled back and the motion startled him. Davis turned on his heel and was face to face with TK.
"Oh. It's you." Davis said a little coldly. TK pulled a face.
"Hey man can we talk?" Davis looked back and saw Kari enter the school.
"Okay" Davis responded a little annoyed. TK adjusted his stance and looked around. Davis did the same, no one was paying them any attention.
"I know … I know you saw me…. Yesterday." TK said in a low voice. Davis nodded,
"Er, yeah. I did." Davis responded. Davis felt a little awkward. TK nodded.
"Yeah I was just curious if you- if you mentioned it to anyone?" Davis felt a bubble of anger rise in his chest.
He means Kari
"No TK. I haven't mentioned it. To anyone." Davis punched the last word of his sentence. TK seemed to visibly relax.
"Thanks Davis I just-"
"TK!" TK was cut off when their classmate Simon yelled to him.
"Dude! I have to show you this video!" Simon enthusiastically waved TK over. TK pulled a face. He opened his mouth.
"Dude!" Simon called again. TK let out a huff.
"Thanks Davis. We'll talk later." TK stepped back and walked over to Simon. Davis frowned watching his friend. He then had a thought.
If TK and Jade are a thing… that means he's not into Kari! Right?
Davis mulled over his thoughts.
"Hey." Kari walked over to Davis and Davis was slightly startled.
"Oh hi." Davis said a little lamely. Kari adjusted her backpack and her duffle bag. Davis cleared his throat.
"Here Kar, let me take your duffle bag." Davis went to grab her bag. Kari pulled it back.
"I got it." Kari spoke. Davis winced
Did she snap at me?
Davis looked at Kari who smiled quickly.
"I mean uhm, we still sitting together right?" Kari asked her voice much calmer. Davis shook it off.
"Oh yeah!" Davis felt his stomach warm.
She's going to be sitting next to me! Davis felt almost giddy. His cheeks warmed. Kari giggled and Davis felt his cheeks go even redder.
"Come on." Kari nudged Davis towards the bus. All the students were queuing up and slowly boarding the bus.
"Why'd you go into the school?" Davis asked Kari as they joined the back of the line.
"Oh, I forgot my bag. I needed to get it from my locker." Davis nodded.
"You sleep okay?" Davis asked as he shuffled forward in the line. Kari was looking ahead.
"Oh… yeah." Kari said simply. Davis nodded.
"Too early though right?" Davis quipped. He nudged Kari. Kari didn't say anything. The two were silent and Davis felt slightly awkward.
Come on Davis talk to her.
Davis opened his mouth then closed it. TK was at the front of the line. He locked eyes with Davis then stepped out of the line. He then walked towards Davis and Kari.
"Hey guys." He spoke in a chipper voice. Davis frowned. Kari smiled at TK.
"Hey TK." Her voice sounded so soft and delicate when she spoke to TK. Davis wondered if he was imagining this change or if she spoke to him with the same tenderness.
"Kar you wanna sit together?" TK asked and he winked at Kari. Davis rolled his eyes. His anger bubbled more.
Of course he has to charm her and take her away from our time together.
Davis was jealous. He anticipated Kari's response.
"No thanks TK. I'm sitting with Davis." Kari spoke simply. This surprised Davis. He had not anticipated her to pass up and invitation to sit with TK. TK looked dejected.
"Oh." TK was silent a moment. He then ran a hand through his hair.
"Still on for the temple right?!" He asked and he winked again. Kari nodded,
"Yeah we'll all be there at the same time." Davis' eyes bugged out. Usually he found Kari and TK's banter to be flirtatious and fun. This interaction was almost… awkward.
"Oh Davis we can put our bags on now." Kari moved passed TK and walked over to the bus. The bottom of the bus opened and everyone deposited their bags before boarding. Kari put her bag in the storage then went to the door of the bus. Davis looked at TK. He looked rejected and almost hurt.
"Hey Davis?" Davis froze, unsure what TK would say.
"This is some food for Kari. Make sure she eats it." TK then turned and boarded the bus behind Kari. Davis held the box of food. He was unsure what had just happened but one thing he could identify, it appeared Kari had picked him over TK for once.
Kari laughed as Davis tried to show her a soccer fail he made on the weekend.
"Kari it was so embarrassing I full on face planted and I'm pretty sure my shorts came down when I did." Kari covered her mouth as she laughed.
"Davis! Was anyone there?!" Kari asked catching her breath.
"Well yeah. There were a ton of girls cheering on Shiodome. Pretty sure they all saw." Davis face palmed and Kari patted him on the back.
"That's rough buddy." Kari quipped. Davis sat up straight.
"But you're coming to my next game right? I need my star cheerleader." Davis punched the air and Kari shook her head.
"Your ego is something else." Kari rolled her shoulders back.
"I might be. I think I have a family thing next weekend." Davis frowned and looked down.
"Oh, sure." He quickly smiled.
"So any idea who you're rooming with?" Kari shook her head.
"None though I think I can narrow down who you might be rooming with." Davis raised an eyebrow,
"How?" Kari smirked.
"Well it's not Lewis, or Dominic, or Simon. Cam and you got detention a week ago so it won't be him." Kari paused and Davis rolled his eyes,
"It was a warning not detention." He corrected. Kari laughed,
"Right well he's out. You and Lewis also got in trouble with Damien which leaves TK, Ryan or Elliot. But my Money is on Mr. Kimo. I think he'll want to keep you extra close for the next two nights." Davis shuddered,
"No they wouldn't room me with the teacher." Davis was silent a moment. His eyes then went wide
"Would they?!" Kari giggled. She shrugged and Davis felt slight panic.
"No they wouldn't! They can't." Davis mulled over his thoughts.
"Kari do you know?!" Davis asked now desperate for an answer. He wanted an end to his agony. Rooming with Mr. Kimo was not on Davis' list of amazing school trip adventures. Kari pulled her backpack onto her lap.
"We'll see." She said mischievously. Davis couldn't believe how much Kari was teasing him. He loved it. Kari unzipped her bag and pulled out her cell. She started scrolling through messages. Davis wondered who could be texting her. He then thought of one person and realized who it would be.
"Tell Yolie to suck it." Davis said with a grin. Kari shook her head
"Davis says hi." Kari spoke as she typed. Davis frowned.
"Tell her you'll chat in three days." Kari continued typing.
"She's checking in making sure you and TK don't suffocate me with your lame jokes." Kari winked and Davis felt his cheeks flush.
"Whatever." Davis mumbled. Kari's face went hard as she read her phone. Davis watched her. Her brow creased and she looked like she was loosing colour in her face. She stared at her phone unmoving.
"Kar? You alright?" Kari nodded.
"Yeah. Uhmm, yeah just Tai." Kari started typing quickly. Davis wondered what was going on. He opened his mouth then closed it. Kari quickly backspaced everything she had written. He couldn't see what it was. Kari then wrote quickly and then put her phone away. She zipped her bag then dropped it on the floor at her feet. She looked annoyed. She then looked out the window.
"Hey why don't we play cards?" Davis asked. Kari looked at him a moment. Davis gave her a goofy grin. Kari didn't return it.
"Maybe later." Kari looked back towards the window.
"I think I might take a nap." Kari said while still looking out the window. Davis felt his stomach drop a little.
"K." Davis responded. Kari put her head against the window and Davis could see her close her eyes. Davis frowned. He wanted to keep talking to her. Davis shuffled and brushed his shoulder against Kari's. He leaned into her slightly as he brought his foot up onto the seat and tightened his shoelace. He then stopped. He could see water, black water on the ground. He looked over at Kari and noticed the water was pooling around her feet as well. He looked at the water and reached his hand down toward it.
"Davis heads up!" Davis just heard the warning before a soccer ball smacked him
in the side of the head. Davis moved away from Kari to rub his head and retrieve the ball.
"That is enough! Hand me the ball!" Mr. Kimo stood in the aisle of the bus. Davis looked up at his teacher. Mr. Kimo did not look amused. Davis reached down and retrieved the ball. He handed it over to his teacher. Mr. Kimo took the soccer ball and went back to his seat at the front of the bus. Davis shuddered thankful he didn't get a scolding. Davis then looked at the ground. The water was gone. He looked over at Kari. She looked like she had fallen asleep. The ground was absent of any water. Davis shook his head.
"I'm going nuts." He then leaned back and tried to enjoy the rest of the ride.
4 hours went by painfully slow for TK. He was seated next to Dominic. They were near the back but TK kept trying to crane his neck to see up to where Kari and Davis were seated. He couldn't make out much. He could see Davis making wild gestures. He could see the top of Kari's head but not her face. TK frowned. He wanted to be with them. He looked down along the aisle and noticed the box of food he had given Davis was still on the ground at Davis' feet. TK growled he wanted Kari to eat. He decided he'd get up and talk to them, just to check in. He went to stand when someone pulled on his shirt. He sat back down and turned. Jade had reached across the aisle and had grabbed the back of his shirt.
"Hey, you okay?" TK asked as Jade let go. Jade nodded.
"Just curious about you. You look a little flustered." TK composed himself.
"Me? I'm peachy." He gave Jade a side smirk which Jade smiled at.
"You think we can chat when we get there?" She looked at him softly. TK nodded.
"Yeah sure." Jade nodded then turned and put headphones in. TK watched her a moment. Someone tapped his shoulder and TK saw Dominic trying to get his attention. TK sat back in his seat and turned to look at his friend.
"Dude you and Jade seem close." Dominic sounded impressed. TK narrowed his gaze.
"Yeah we are." TK replied and Dominic chuckled.
"Like are you guys…." He lowered his voice,
"An item?" TK stared at Dominic. He wasn't sure how to answer. The bus slowed and Mr. Kimo stood.
"Alright we are arriving. Please remain seated until we make a complete stop." TK was saved by his teachers interruption. TK leaned forward to grab his messenger bag off the floor. He placed the bag on his lap then looked forward while the bus pulled into a large parking lot. The bus came to a stop and Mr. Kimo addressed the students
"Alright everyone off. Please wait outside the entrance. Do not go in." TK stood and tried to sneak a peek at Davis and Kari. Other classmates were standing and they obstructed TK's view. TK blew out a hot breath. He shuffled off the bus. He then went to stand on the sidewalk with everyone else. He looked down the line of students. He spotted Davis and Kari. Davis was looking at Kari while Kari was rubbing her eyes. TK didn't think she looked so good.
"Alright." Mr. Kimo stood in front of the students.
"I want everyone to first grab their bags from the bottom of the bus. We are then going inside. I will check us in and I want you all to stand out of the way of other customers who are staying here. I will then hand out keys and dismiss you to your rooms. You have 45 min to unpack then I want everyone to meet in the dining hall. Understand?" TK and the rest of the students responded,
"Yes, Mr. Kimo." Mr. Kimo nodded and stepped aside while the bus driver opened the storage compartments. TK moved to grab his bag. He saw Kari's and Davis' duffle bags. He decided to grab theirs too. He shuffled out of the way with the three bags and walked towards the entrance of the hotel.
"Davis! Kar!" TK called. Davis looked at TK and TK flashed the bags. Davis then put a hand on Kari's shoulder and pointed at TK. TK watched her squint a moment then nod. The two made their way to TK.
"Thanks man." Davis said and TK handed over Davis' bag.
"Anyone else find the ride painfully boring?" TK asked as he handed Kari's bag over. Kari didn't say anything. She gave TK a soft look but didn't smile. TK's heart started pounding
Somethings wrong. TK adjusted his two bags and reached for Kari's duffle bag.
"Here Kari allow me." TK saw her eyes narrow. He hesitated,
Is she mad at me?! TK felt a little scared. He held his hand out and after a moment. Kari dropped her gaze. She handed her duffle bag over to TK. She didn't look at him. TK put her bag strap over his shoulder. He wanted to touch her, to reassure her. Davis handed his bag to TK.
"You're so kind TK." Davis had a smirk. The tension eased and TK fingered Davis. TK then opened his mouth to make a joke
"Unfortunately Davis-"
"TK!" TK was cut off by Jade. She was standing behind him.
"Are you coming?" She asked and her eyes were almost sad. TK stared at Jade.
"Hey Jade." Kari greeted sweetly. TK felt his heart rate pick up. Jade didn't look at Kari only at TK. TK wanted to look at Kari to tell Jade they'd talk later.
"Thanks for taking my bag TK. We'll see you inside." TK whipped around. Kari motioned to Davis and the two started walking towards the entrance. TK needed to speak to them, needed to talk to Davis. Jade sniffled.
"How about we walk over here." Jade said and TK sighed.
"Yeah okay. Lead the way." TK looked at Jade. She nodded and started moving. The students were all entering the hotel. Mr. Kimo was now inside. No one paid the two any attention. Jade slipped to the side of the building near the parking lot. TK blew out a breath.
Okay Jade. Let's talk.
Davis looked up at the ceiling of the hotel. It was designed to mirror the temple they'd be visiting. It had vaulted ceilings and the whole room smelled of incense. The staff were dressed in traditional kimonos. Davis could hear water running. He looked behind the front desk and saw a small stream of water.
"This place is fancy." Davis commented. Kari was next to him. She was picking at her fingers. Davis looked and noticed she was picking skin around her nails. They were looking red and irritated.
"Kar I think I'd leave your fingers alone. It looks like they hurt." Kari stopped immediately. Her cheeks blushed.
"Right." She said and Davis raised an eyebrow. He was going to ask if she was okay. He thought of TK. Davis decided another tactic.
"So you've got inside information on who I am rooming with but what about you missy." Kari looked at Davis a little confused.
"Whose your roommate this trip?" Kari gave a small smile. Relief washed through Davis. She hadn't shown much of any emotion for the last 3 hours. Kari then looked up.
"You'll see." Kari said and Davis saw the mischievous spark in her eyes. Davis smiled
She's back. Probably just tired.
"What's the tea sister?" Davis asked in a sassy tone. Kari started laughing and Davis felt his heart warm.
"Davis-" Kari cut her self off as she laughed harder. Davis felt alighted. Kari covered her mouth and tried to stop laughing.
"Shh!" An adult hushed and Kari had red in her cheeks. Davis then laughed.
"It's a hotel it's not actually the temple." Davis said to Kari. Kari rolled her eyes. She then whispered,
"It's the asesthetic." Kari winked at Davis.
"Okay is everyone here?" Mr. Kimo faced all the students. He started counting pointing at the students one by one.
"Alright we've got a full class. I have here the keys to your rooms. We are all on the fourth floor. It's two to a room. There is no going into anyone's room other than your own. Curfew is 8pm. Anyone caught outside during curfew or in a room that is not your own, will be sent home. I will pair you off, hand you your keys and then you will be expected to be in the dinning hall for 12:30pm." Mr. Kimo looked at all the students. Davis adjusted his stance. His shoulder bumped into Kari's. He leaned on her shoulder as he rolled his eyes bored with all the rule talk.
"Okay any questions?" The lobby was quiet. Davis peered around at his classmates. He gasped. Standing next to Kari was a woman. She slowly turned and looked at Davis. Davis could see her face, something horrifying about her face.
"Davis and TK." Davis stepped back and then whirled around at the sound of his name. He stared at Mr. Kimo who held out a card key. Davis looked around. The woman was no where to be seen. He looked at Kari. She looked at him and then raised an eyebrow.
"Davis?" TK was next to him. Davis looked at his friend.
"What?" Davis asked. TK looked over Davis' shoulder. Davis looked back and saw Kari sharing a look with TK. That irritated him.
"What?!" Davis said more sternly.
"Come collect your key gentlemen." Mr. Kimo spoke and Davis looked back at his teacher. He felt confused and irritated. He stepped forward and Kari then spoke softly to him.
"You're rooming with TK." She said softly. Davis then clued in and was appreciative of Kari. He looked at TK who was still staring at him. Davis stood straighter. He nodded and walked forward. TK was behind him. Davis grabbed the key from Mr. Kimo's outstretched hand.
"Always in a timely manner Mr. Motymia," Davis nodded,
"Just want to be consistent Mr. Kimo." Davis thought he saw Mr. Kimo smirk.
"May and Jennifer," Mr. Kimo continued calling names. Davis turned back he saw TK handing Kari her bag. He leaned down to whisper something in her ear. Davis felt his ears start to burn. Kari didn't smile. She nodded and TK walked over to Davis.
"Alright let's go." TK said as he approached Davis. TK then walked passed Davis and made his way to the lifts. Davis heard Mr. Kimo call out another pair. Davis watched TK push the call button. The doors to the lift opened and Davis and TK got in.
"What room?" TK asked. Davis looked down at the key card in his hand. Written in blue ink on the front was 407.
"407. Fourth floor." Davis responded. TK pushed the number 4 button. The button lit up and the doors closed.
"You think we are all on the same floor?" Davis asked now curious about his other classmates.
"Dunno. Guess if there's enough rooms. Maybe." TK was staring straight ahead. He didn't seem his warm jovial self. Davis thought about asking him. About patting him on the back and saying "spill it man what's going on with you and Jade?" Davis wanted to ask. Wanted to be close to TK. Since seeing him with Jade. He felt a rift between them. He wanted to mend it. His jealousy was bubbling. The way TK had food ready for Kari, the way he carried her bag. Davis clenched his fists. He then thought about TK leaning down whispering in Kari's ear. Davis unclenched his fist. The anger started to settle. He really felt like he couldn't compete. The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Davis stepped out and looked left then right done the hallways.
"Which way do the numbers go?" Davis asked. He looked left again. TK sighed and stepped forward. He then pointed at a sign stuck to the wall right in front of them
400-410 —
411-420—
Davis frowned. He didn't like looking like a fool. TK started walking to the right.
"Pass me the key card." TK asked. Davis frowned.
"I got it." He quickly turned and stood infront of a door. He whipped the key card out of the paper and stuck it to the door handle. He looked at TK smugly.
"I suppose that would be cool if we were staying in a linen closet." TK remarked. Davis looked at the door. Clearly written on a plak on the door were the words
Linen Closet
Davis growled. The door knob didn't even have a slot for the key card. Davis stepped back.
"Well what the hell why'd you lead us to a closet?!" Davis demanded. TK smirked.
"I didn't." TK gestured to the door in front of him. The one directly next to the linen closet. Davis felt his anger bubble. He saw the plak with the numbers
407
Written on it. Davis wanted to finger TK or shove him. Davis stepped in front of TK and tapped the key card on the handle. A green light appeared and the door clicked. Davis then turned the handle and walked into his room. The room was spacious. Two double beds took up the main area. There was a desk with a coffee maker and a chest of drawers with a TV on it.
"Sick!" Davis dropped his bag and jumped onto the furthest bed. He grabbed the TV remote off the table between the beds. He then turned on the TV and put his hands behind his head. The TV turned on and the first image was the news. Davis blew out a huff and quickly scrolled through.
"Where's the sports." Davis asked as he jumped from channel to channel. The images changed and then baseball. Japanese semi professional baseball. Not Davis' favourite but it would do. He watched a batter bunt the ball past the pitcher.
"So how was the bus for you?" TK asked. Davis shrugged.
"Kinda boring." Davis said honestly. Davis then shrugged.
"It was good. Kari was cute." The words were out faster than Davis meant. He then felt his heart beat.
"Oh yeah did she eat?" TK asked not missing a beat. Davis rolled his eyes.
"Yes she's fine." Davis snapped back. Davis shook his head. Then he thought about Kari on the bus. She hadn't eaten. Davis had not offered her the food TK gave him. Davis blanched.
"I uhh- I forgot. I don't think she did." Davis felt TK staring at him.
"Did you give her the food?" TK asked. Davis turned to look at TK.
"I forgot." TK growled. Davis then stood.
"Chill! She slept. We were chatting having a great time then she fell asleep." Davis said defensively. TK stared at the ground.
"Whatever." TK mumbled. Davis then rolled his eyes
"Why do you care. You've got Jade." There Davis said it. He blurted out the elephant in the room. TK looked mad. Really mad.
"Don't talk about shit you know nothing about Davis." Davis was now mad
"But you do! You're into her. You told me you were dating. I just didn't realize you were still together." TK then spoke louder.
"I told you that a year ago!" TK spat Davis threw his hands up.
"So what?! You're dating! So back off Kari and focus on your own girl." Davis said feeling angry. TK looked like he was ready to blow! He took a step towards Davis. There was a knock on the door. Both boys stared at one another. There was silence. TK took another step towards Davis. Another knock. This one louder. TK growled and spun round. He forcefully opened the door.
"What?!" He yelled. Dominic and Lewis were standing on the other side.
"Hey! Wanna go explore before lunch?" Dominic asked with a wink. Davis watched TK look back at him.
"Uh, yeah let's go." TK opened the door wider and grabbed his shoes. Davis watched him and then gave a wave at Dominic and Lewis.
"You guys rooming together?" Davis asked. Lewis nodded.
"Yup! Were 410 so only a couple down from you." Davis nodded,
"Sick."
"Davis is gonna stay. We'll meet him at lunch." TK didn't look back at Davis as he spoke. He walked out of the room towards Lewis and Dominic. Before anyone could say another word. TK closed the door and left with his friends. Davis frowned.
"Asshole." Davis said out loud. Davis looked at the floor. His bag was on the ground by TK's bed. He looked at TK's bed and saw TK had put his bag neatly on the bed. TK had even plugged in his phone to charge. Davis noticed TK's digivice was next to his phone. Davis sighed. He missed Veemon. He gritted his teeth. TK was pissing him off. It was time Davis did something about it.
Kari placed her bag on the bed. She watched Jade walk over to the bed closest to the window. She dropped her bag on the ground. She had her phone in her hand. She was feverishly texting away. Jade plopped onto her chosen bed. She still had her shoes on. She laid with her one leg bent and the other resting across her bent leg. She blew out a huff as she texted. Kari realized she'd been watching for a little too long. Kari turned wanting to busy herself. As she turned the woman was standing behind her. Kari gasped. She stutter stepped backwards and crashed into the bed. She was caught off balance and fell onto the bed.
"Ah!" Kari yelped as she fell.
"What the hell?" Jade spoke loudly. Kari looked back and saw Jade staring at her. She had a bit of a stink eye look at Kari. Kari looked over towards the door. The woman was still there staring at her. Kari swallowed and shook her head.
"I saw a spider." Kari said lamely. She sat up and slightly inched herself away from the woman.
"K." Jade said. Kari looked over at her classmate. She was looking at her phone still texting. Kari decided to try to engage. She was ready to do anything to get the woman to go away. Even if that meant trying to get chummy with Jade.
"So how was the bus ride for you?" Kari asked. Jade shrugged her shoulders.
"It was whatever." Jade said never looking up from her phone. Kari nodded. She could tell Jade didn't want to chat. Kari could still feel the presence of the woman. She really needed help. She knew it was uncomfortable but she didn't care.
"The hotel is nice. I like the lobby." Jade sighed and lowered her phone. She looked at Kari.
"Yeah it's a hotel." Jade stared and Kari gave her a nod. Message received. Jade was not into small talk. Kari slid off the bed and stood in the space between the two beds. Jade went back to looking at her phone. Kari tried to not make it awkward. She glanced back over her shoulder. The woman stood there reaching towards her. Kari closed her eyes. Tears threatened to fall. She whipped around and looked at Jade.
"Hey! Let's go downstairs!" Kari said loudly. She plastered a smile on her face. Jade looked up at Kari. Kari felt Jade glaring at her. Jade blew out a breath.
"K like can you not? Like I get it you're peppy but like, it's a lot." Kari nodded and kept the smile on her face. Jade rolled her eyes. She then mumbled
"I don't understand your appeal." Kari heard her words. They hurt. Kari couldn't deny it. She felt a tear fall. But the tear was over the woman who was still behind her. Kari decided to leave Jade alone.
"Okay I'll see you down there." Kari said still trying to keep her voice light. Jade didn't look up at her. Kari then started shaking as she turned towards the door. The woman was there reaching for her. Kari didn't care how it looked, she shimmied towards the door. She grabbed her shoes then ran full sprint to the door. She threw open the door and ran out. The door slammed behind Kari. She snuck a peek behind her. The woman was not there. Kari felt her shoulders shake. She wanted to scream. She inhaled and a few tears fell down her cheeks. She was exhausted. Her "sleep" on the bus was filled with the dark ocean. She was in the water gasping for air slowly drowning in the black water. She did not feel rested. She felt panicked and her body ached from how tense she held it. Kari heard a door open. She quickly wiped her cheeks and turned so her back was to the hallway.
"Kari?" Kari knew that voice it was May. Kari shook out her tears and slowly turned. She plastered a smile.
"Hey May." Kari said with a big smile. May looked at her concerned.
"Oh my god, are you okay?!" May came over and put her hands on Kari's shoulders. Kari shook her head and kept her emotions down.
"Oh I'm just exhausted." Kari smiled. May nodded.
"Oh my god me too!" May said loudly.
"Like can we please sleep!" May said and she shook Kari's shoulders. Kari let out a laugh.
"Right?!" Kari said trying to match May's energy. May let go of Kari and stepped back.
"Well food?" She asked. Kari smiled and then felt her heart rate increase. The woman was standing behind May. Kari quickly looked at May.
"Yes. Uh- I'll uh-" Kari shook her head. She started to cry. She masked it with a fake laugh.
"I just need to grab something from my room. Meet you down there." May nodded
"K k!" May then spun round and flounced towards the lifts. She walked right through the woman. Kari was unsure what to do. She wanted to go with May but she also needed a moment. A private moment. Kari turned to walk back towards her room. She heard the ding of the lifts and heard the doors open then close. Kari shook and looked forward. The woman slowly circled Kari.
"If I go. Will it stop?" The question was soft but sinister. It was no longer desperate and pleading. The woman gently grabbed Kari's arm. Kari couldn't stop the tears falling down her face. The woman slid her finger along the cut on Kari's arm. The one the woman made yesterday.
"If you go. It will stop." Kari gasped. The woman and her stared at one another. Kari felt like she understood. But she was mortified by what the woman was implying. What she had been saying this whole time. Kari felt rage. She yanked her arm out of the woman's grasp and yelled
"No!" She then turned and ran. The woman started to follow.
"You can't escape Kari! There's only one way out!" Kari ran along the hallway. She passed the lifts then saw a door
Linen closet
Out of desperation Kari pushed down on the handle. The door opened. Kari threw herself into the closet and pulled the door shut with all her might. She locked the door and stepped back. There was a bang on the door
"You can't escape it Kari! There's only one way! You know it! You know it!" The woman continued pounding on the door. She screamed at Kari repeating the same words.
"Only one way out girly!" Kari collapsed onto the floor. She drew her knees to her chest and started bawling her eyes out. She silently screamed and begged for this to all be over. She rocked her self back and forth while the woman continued to pound on the door and scream at her.