FIFTEEN: RISING ISSUES.

The next day at school, we were all surprised to see Raymond back.

It had been a week since his suspension, and I've got to say, he did change physically. You could tell by the deep lines on his face and his poorly shaved eyebrows.

As he walked to the clinic holding a box of files, people stared and muttered to themselves, but he didn't seem to care a bit about the disturbance. He just walked quietly to the clinic.

When he reached it, he pulled out a bunch of keys from his pocket, going through them until he found the key to the door. He inserted it into the keyhole and turned it. The door unlocked, then he opened it gently but quickly and stepped inside.

He needed to get away from the stares and the whispers.

Eska, staring wide-eyed at the closed door, gave a brief sneer.

"Gosh! He's back."

I took my eyes off the scene, shaking my head and wondering out loud,

"I wonder how Clary will feel when she returns to school and crosses paths with Raymond."

"Why is he back anyway?" Pink frowned as she took her books from her locker and headed to class.

Eska and I stared at each other. We couldn't blame her; he was the reason Clary wasn't at school.

During recess, we were seated at our usual spot in the cafeteria, eating quietly.

I sat opposite Pink, while Eska was beside me. Things had been quiet ever since Clary left, and Pink was still trying to adjust.

After what seemed like forever, Summer ran up to our table, slamming her fist on the surface and breathing heavily, catching our attention.

"Girl, what's up?" Pink asked, surprised by her outburst.

"You look like you've been chased by a ghost," Eska chuckled.

"Well, you're not gonna believe it. A dead body was found at Caveroop Park earlier today," Summer said, pulling out her phone and showing us a picture.

We all gasped when we saw it.

"Oh my!"

Pink snatched the phone from her to examine it, zooming in and out several times.

"It looks like she was eaten."

"Eaten?" I gasped, abandoning my fries and ketchup to take the phone from Pink. "What kind of animal would do that? Please don't tell me there's a dangerous beast on the loose."

"Could it be the alpha?" Summer sighed, sitting In between Eska and me.

"I doubt it. It didn't call out last night, and it was a full moon, which is weird," Pink pointed out.

"That's no animal," Eska chimed in, zooming in on the picture. "Look at the bite marks. There's only one creature on this earth that has marks like those."

We all looked at her, waiting for her response.

"And that would be?" Pink asked impatiently.

"A vampire. And not just any vampire—a blue blood."

We all stared at her, and then I smirked.

"A vampire? Come on, guys, the article said otherwise."

"And the bite marks say otherwise, too," Eska snapped.

"But what's a blue-blood vamp doing in Caveroop?" Summer whispered. I could hear the fear in her voice.

"I don't know, but let's hope my theory isn't right. Otherwise, our nights aren't safe anymore," Eska pointed out.

Gosh, this can't be happening.

After recess, I was on my way to the library to study with Sam and Genora. Ever since they helped me with my first math test and I passed, we became study buddies.

On the way, I ran into Jennie, who was on her way out. She seemed kind of in a hurry and a bit annoyed, but her expression changed when she saw me.

"Jennifer! How are you? I haven't seen you since game night."

"Yeah, same goes for you. How are you?" she asked.

"Good as always."

"Still got that weird-looking thing going on with you again?" she asked.

I paused, not quite understanding what she meant by "looking thing," but I didn't want to seem confused, so I just shook my head and smiled.

"Nope."

"Good. Glad you're doing well," she said, before walking away.

After she left, I turned the cold knob of the library door, opened it, and walked in, heading to our usual spot.

When I got there, I saw Jesse sitting between Sam and Genora. Sam was solving a question for him while Genora just watched. I was surprised to see him with them—so he studies?

I walked over and grabbed their attention.

"Hey, guys, sorry I'm late."

"It's the third time this week," Genora said with a warm smile.

I placed my books on the table and took my seat next to Genora.

"I know, and I'm sorry."

"Well, you're just in time. We're just starting. Sam's running through some problems with Jesse."

I tucked my hair behind my left ear, looking away awkwardly.

"Oh, I see."

Our study session was finally over, and I got up to pack my books into my bag when Jesse approached me.

"Hey, Terra."

I paused. He called my name? I turned to see if it was actually his voice I'd heard.

When I turned, he hung his bag over one shoulder and stood about five centimeters away from me (if my measurement was correct). He looked me straight in the eyes.

Gosh! He'd never done that before.

His voice was so lovely, and my name sounded so nice when he said it.

"Yeah?"

"Hi, you free tonight?"

Wow. Where is this going?

He sounded a bit shy, and millions of thoughts ran through my head as I struggled to respond.

"Yeah, why?"

"Erm…"

He seemed to be scrambling for words, probably figuring out what to say next.

"I just wanted to hang out."

Okay, did he just ask me out? He had never done that before, and I doubted he ever would. What the heck is happening?

"Uhm…"

It was a trick question. Was he playing me, or had he finally fallen for me? Or did he want to call a truce? Or did he pity me for what happened in the woods during the search?

The thoughts kept coming. I was compelled to agree, but then I remembered that Pink had a huge crush on him. She wouldn't be happy if she found out I hung out with him. I didn't want to lose a friend, especially when she's popular.

"I just remembered—Pink and I were going to visit Clary," I blurted out. "Sorry, we'll have to do it another time." Then I walked away, not wanting to hear any more suggestions. But I couldn't help but wonder—why did he suddenly want to hang out with me?

...

After lectures, Raymond walked back to the clinic. When he opened the door, he was startled to see Rejoice already seated on the stool in front of his desk.

"Joy? You startled me. What brings you here? Are you hurt in any way?"

"No, Mr. Ray. I'm just so glad you're back. I sure missed my favorite teacher," she said brightly.

He smiled back at her.

"So, how are you coping since the incident?" she asked, gesturing to his chair for him to sit.

He came over and sat down, stretching his legs.

"Well, as you can see…" he pointed to his messed-up face, and she chuckled.

"I'm guessing it was terrible?"

He nodded.

"But I'm back now. What could possibly go wrong?"

That's when Rejoice choked on her words. Raymond's eyes widened as he looked at her.

"Is there something I should know?"

"Well, I didn't want to worry you, but it was reported this morning that Charles's body is missing," she said, her voice tense.

After hearing this, Raymond stood up, shaken by what she'd said.

"You've got to be kidding me."