Chapter 4

Gabriel Harleigh was a mystery, the general public of Harlin High concluded after the first week of school. He never volunteered in classes, in fact, he never seemed to pay attention but seemed to know the answer to questions when called by teachers.

Harlin High gossip found that he lived alone in a previously abandoned manor which was recently renovated, though no one remembers the company that came to do it, nor do they remember the staff working within, just that it has been done. His mystery increased as conspiracy theories increased.

One of the forefront theories was that his parents were incredibly wealthy and that he was sent here as a form of witness protection, this theory was almost taken as true due to the brands the students had seen him wear and use casually, including his cars, motorbike, and general stationery. Most importantly, in the students' mind, was the fact that he had no issue lending the stationery out and never recovering it yet coming in the next day with the exact same branded pen. This enforced the idea that he was from a long line of wealthy nobles or business giants, as he never seemed to mind spending money for anything nor did he show off with the items bought like a nouveau riche.

Many in Harlin tried to be even more accommodating in hopes that he may remember them and provide assistance or connections which would allow them to ascend in social status. Even more, hoped he would be interested in them and shower them in riches, some just hoped to leave a good impression, a few however looked at him in suspicion as the timeline for his arrival coincided with the Harlin Murders still ongoing. One of which was the Cryptology club consisting of Jeremy White and Isabella 'Bella' Roune. Mostly Jeremy though as Bella was still sceptical of his theories.

"He appeared from nowhere, with a name similar to the town's, and no one is able to remember much if anything about how he moved here. All anyone can say is that it happened. If that is not suspicious then I don't know what is. I have been looking over countless cryptid and other myths and legends, and I have several creatures or societies that can propagate the Harlin Murders. Any question?" said Jeremy White, as he stood in front of a PowerPoint in an otherwise empty classroom at Harlin High, looking at Bella as she sat uneasily at the front.

"Ummm.... just one. How can you... prove this?" she said as she read off of a flashcard, squinting as she tried to make out Jeremy's spider-like writing.

"Good question, sir. I believe that to prove it, that we will need to keep him locked inside the school, or at least in a police cell to be watched overnight. This should eliminate suspicion towards him as he would be under watch, of course as the person responsible for the claim, I will be in a different cell in the same block to keep an eye on him, as well as help to prepare his cell. I believe that this would allow us to prove without a shadow of a doubt that Gabriel Harleigh is either Guilty or Innocent. Thank you for your time, gentlemen." Jeremy said with a bow.

"Well? How do you feel about that run-through? Did you get everything you wanted right?" said Bella as she watched him grab his camera off a tripod to watch his presentation.

"It's almost perfect. Thanks again for staying back for this Bella, I really appreciate this. I know that Chloe has been extra hard on you this week, though I'm not sure why." he said.

"No problem Jer, while I still don't believe that he could be the person or creature that could do so, he seems so nice, he even helped me out when Chloe cornered me once. No one does that, new or not except for when they want something. Well, except you, of course, he helped me get away and then acted like that was no big deal when I said thanks." Bella said with a pink face and a soft whistful voice.

"Don't tell me that you like the guy... I mean, while that was nice and all but his timing was suspicious, maybe he watched to make a good impression. Have you thought about that?" Jeremy said somewhat rudely, as he cleared up the classroom.

"....Are you saying that no one would like me or speak to me without wanting something in return?"

"I don't mean to be rude but most people want something when they choose to speak to a person, I spoke to you because I wanted a friend, I'm just saying that he might want something different from me and to be care....ful." He trailed off noticing that Bella had left at some point during his lecture.

"Where did she go????" he said bewildered, looking around the room.

******

In a different classroom, Jack Turner and Chloe Vale were making out on top of one of the desks. They seemed to lose track of time as well as awareness as the air became heavy and clothes were being loosened.

Bella walked in thinking it would be empty, stopping at the sight of her bully in a disheveled, almost half-dressed state. She felt uncomfortable, though she stayed to identify Jack, before noticing his bag at the side with his sports jacket closeby. As she left, however, she screamed as she tripped on the raised door sill and fell on her face, alerting the two amorous teens. They broke apart quickly and turned to look at who discovered them as Jack was currently dating with Virginia 'Gin' Woolfe.

"What the hell are you doing here Road?! Did you follow us here?! You little pervert, probably been watching too haven't you? Hoping you could be noticed by Jack? Don't make me laugh." Chloe said as she tidied herself leisurely with venom coating each word.

Jack stood to the side as he cleaned up as well. The two acted like there was nothing wrong with her catching Jack cheating on Gin woolfe, as Bella looked at them with a wounded look before she left.

She ran through the empty halls with tears streaming down her face.