the truth(23)

The school bell rang, marking the beginning of another day. Students flooded the hallways, exchanging greetings, laughing, and groaning about upcoming assignments. The buzz of energy filled the air, but amidst the chaos, Michael and his friends stood out like kings and queens among commoners.

As they entered the building, conversations hushed, and eyes followed their every move. It was always like this. Michael and his group weren't just popular—they were untouchable.

Ethan (grinning):

"Alright, another day of making everyone else feel inadequate. I love it."

Lisa (adjusting her bag):

"I don't even think they bother competing anymore."

Marie (stretching her arms):

"Still, there's always the chance that someone grew over the break. We'll just have to crush their spirits again."

Michael (smirking):

"Nothing's changed. We're still the best. And we're gonna prove it today."

The group made their way to class, where the teacher was already taking attendance. The moment Michael stepped in, the room shifted. Whispers spread through the students.

"Michael's back."

"I heard he dominated the summer competitions again."

"Anyone dumb enough to challenge him this year?"

Michael ignored the chatter and slid into his seat, leaning back with an easy confidence. Emily, sitting beside him, nudged him with a smirk.

Emily:

"Another year, another perfect score, huh?"

Michael (grinning):

"Obviously."

As expected, when the teacher handed out a pop quiz, Michael finished first—again. And right after him, so did the rest of his friends.

Teacher (sighing as he checked their papers):

"Of course. All perfect scores. What else should I expect?"

The other students groaned in frustration.

"They're ridiculous."

"Do they ever lose at anything?"

Michael spun his pen between his fingers, smirking.

The day continued with more of the same. During P.E., Michael shattered another sprinting record. During basketball, his team completely obliterated their opponents. By lunchtime, everyone in the school had accepted the inevitable—Michael and his friends were on top, as always.

They gathered at their usual table, their trays full of food.

Marie (stretching):

"Man, this is already looking too easy."

Alex (laughing):

"You expected anything else?"

Lisa leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Lisa:

"Hey, why don't you guys come over to my house today? It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Michael's expression tensed for a fraction of a second before he quickly masked it with a casual shrug.

Michael:

"Oh, your house? Actually, I'm not free today, so I can't."

Lisa's eyes narrowed slightly.

Lisa:

"No, no, no, Michael. You haven't come to my house ever since the first time. You have to come."

Michael hesitated. He had been avoiding Lisa's house for a reason. Her parents were dangerous. Murderers. He didn't want to step foot there ever again.

Michael (shaking his head):

"No, I can't."

Ethan suddenly grinned, nudging Michael's shoulder.

Ethan:

"No, Michael. You're coming, no matter what you say."

Marie (smirking):

"Yeah, of course. You have to come."

Michael sighed, rubbing his temples.

Michael:

"Okay."

But as the conversation continued, his thoughts darkened.

"Goddammit. I've been trying to avoid going to her house. Her parents are murderers. This is bad. This is really bad."

After school, Michael and his friends made their way to Lisa's house. The moment they arrived, the warm glow of the large mansion greeted them. Lisa's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, welcomed them with open arms.

Mrs. Carter (smiling warmly):

"Oh, it's been so long since we had you all here! Come in, come in!"

Michael hesitated for just a second before following the others inside.

For the first half of the evening, everything was… normal. Lisa's parents were friendly, offering food, cracking jokes, and even playing board games with them. It was almost enough to make Michael forget. Almost.

Ethan and Marie were laughing over some dumb inside joke. Alex and Emily were arguing about strategy in a card game. Lisa was watching with amusement.

And then—

Mr. Carter:

"Michael, can we speak with you in private?"

Michael froze. A chill ran down his spine. He knew this was coming.

Michael (internally):

"Oh no. Here it comes. Oh god, god, god, no. This is what I wanted to avoid. What have I done? Damn you, Lisa!"

Lisa's parents led him to a separate room, away from the others. The moment the door closed, the warmth vanished.

Mr. Carter's smile remained, but it was sharp now, edged with something dangerous.

Mr. Carter:

"Michael, we know you heard us talking that night. About when we killed that man."

Michael swallowed hard, keeping his expression neutral.

Mr. Carter (calmly):

"We're just making sure you never tell anyone. Because if you do… well, something bad will happen to you."

Michael exhaled slowly. He couldn't let them see his fear.

Michael (forcing a smirk):

"Don't worry. I'll never tell anyone. Trust me. I promise you. I promise myself. And I don't break promises."

Mr. Carter studied him for a moment, then nodded.

Mrs. Carter (smiling again, as if nothing happened):

"Good boy. We trust you."

And just like that, they opened the door and led him back to his friends.

The moment Michael sat down, Lisa turned to him.

Lisa:

"What did my parents say to you?"

Michael hesitated for just a moment before flashing a lazy grin.

Michael:

"Nothing important."

The night continued as if nothing had happened. But inside, Michael was screaming.

"I will never break my promise. I do not want to get involved with them again. But… I have a feeling that I will."

The fire crackled as Dakota's group sat in silence. They had just finished watching Michael's memory through Dakota's magic, and now, the scene faded.

Henry leaned forward, his expression curious.

Henry:

"Well, Dakota? Did the parents ever do something to you?"

Dakota smirked slightly, the firelight flickering in his brown eyes.

Dakota:

"Well… I'll show you the next memory, and you'll find out."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. Whatever happened next, it wasn't going to be good.

Luna shifted uncomfortably.

Luna:

"You said you made a promise. But knowing you, Dakota… you broke it, didn't you?"

Dakota's smirk widened.

Dakota:

"Of course I did. I had to get involved."

The air around them grew heavier.

Lucas (narrowing his eyes):

"You had to? What did they do?"

Dakota's expression darkened.

Dakota:

"After what they did… how could I not?"

The group shivered at the weight of his words. And as Dakota prepared to show them the next memory.