Meanwhile, Minho was running at full speed alongside Suzi and Carina towards the abandoned building.
Minho was of Korean origin, 20 years old, and in his second year.
His skin was as smooth as a newborn's, and his almond-shaped eyes were a deep, dark brown almost black. His dark brown hair was cut very short, with a sharp part dividing the two sides, leaving a few strands falling onto his forehead. He also wore round shaped glasses, without which he could barely see anything, making them absolutely essential.
He didn't like being weighed down by clothes. He often wore stylish jeans and a tucked-in T-shirt. He had a wide variety of them, in all kinds of styles. When it was cold, he would opt for faux-fur-lined denim jackets first, and sometimes cardigans, sleeveless vests, or coats. In reality, he had quite a versatile style. What mattered most to him was the simplicity of the clothing, rather than garments that were only meant to look good. What he loved the most were caps, he had an extensive collection. However, he felt a little awkward wearing them when there was no sun.
— Why do I have to come ? Minho complained, out of breath.
— Because there are bound to be injuries, and you're the school doctor, Carina replied.
— I'm not a doctor, just so you know, and certainly not the school doctor ! he sighed. And by the way, how did you even know which class I was in ?
— That's the problem, we had no idea ! So, we went from class to class shouting your name, since we didn't even know what you looked like. It wouldn't have taken so long otherwise, explained Suzi, annoyed.
Minho imagined the scene with unease. These girls certainly had audacity ! But at the same time, he fully realized the gravity of the situation.
— Do you think someone might die ? he asked anxiously.
— We don't think it, we're sure of it ! Suzi replied.
He swallowed hard.
On their way, they crossed paths with two boys. One had a bloodied arm, and the other was helping him as best as he could.
— Help us !
— What happened ?! Minho panicked.
But before he could do anything, Carina grabbed his wrist and dragged him into their frenzied run again.
— Hey, but... they need help ! he protested.
— We don't care about them, Carina said, indifferent.
— Excuse me ?! Minho snapped.
— They're rapists. They don't deserve your help, explained Suzi.
— I see… sorry, he muttered.
— Don't worry, you didn't know, Carina reassured him.
Once inside, they found Maddy strangling Stacy. Without hesitation, Carina charged at full speed and kicked her in the chest, throwing her violently backward.
Suzi helped Stacy get up, while Minho rushed toward Zayn, whom he instantly recognized. As efficient as ever, he immediately started attending to him.
— Are you okay ? We came to help, Suzi asked, worried.
Stacy, still in shock, had reddish and purplish hand-shaped marks around her neck. She coughed, struggling to catch her breath.
Meanwhile, Maddy's hand was sweeping the floor in search of something, anything. Her fingers brushed against a sharp object, thick and pointed glass. Without hesitation, she grasped it in her palm, cutting herself deeply. Blood poured out, but she paid no attention.
Carina tried to land another blow, but Stacy stepped in and pushed her away roughly.
— What's gotten into you ?! Carina yelled.
— Urgh !
— What ?
Maddy pointed the shard of glass at her throat, but Stacy lunged at her, tore it from her hands, threw it far away, and pinned her arms.
Carina, frozen for a moment, realized she had thought Stacy was going to attack with the shard. But no… If Stacy hadn't reacted so quickly, Maddy would probably be dead by now.
Nodding, Stacy signaled for the two girls to help her.
— I don't know what you have in mind, but we'll help you ! she said firmly.
Maddy struggled desperately, screaming and trying to break free, but Carina and Suzi held her with all their strength.
"This is my only chance, I can't waste it. I can't be afraid like I was earlier."
— Let go of me ! Let me die !!
"No, you won't die."
Stacy pulled a syringe from her pocket and carefully inserted it into Maddy's gluteus muscle, then pressed the plunger, injecting a large amount of liquid.
The effect wasn't immediate, but that didn't matter. After all, Maddy couldn't move anymore. After a few moments, her strength left her. Her eyelids grew heavy, and finally, she closed her eyes. Her body ceased to struggle.
Stacy bent over her and held her head in her arms.
"Everyone thinks you're crazy, but I know you're not. You're the one suffering the most, but no one has any idea."
one year ago
After showering, Stacy stepped out of the stall and returned to the locker room. But when she arrived, she was horrified to find that her clothes and towel were gone. Another prank from those girls who had been bullying her. Panicking, she rushed to the door, but it was locked. She knocked violently, hoping someone would let her out, but no one came. She remained there, trapped, soaking wet and naked, for half an hour. Her body shivered from the cold. Already sick, she felt weaker by the minute.
Then, at last, the door opened. It was Maddy. With tears in her eyes, she held a large towel in her hands. Without a word, she wrapped it around Stacy and hugged her tightly.
— I overheard them talking about it, and as soon as I knew, I came as fast as I could. I'm so sorry… You've suffered so much by my side, and I… I can't even defend you anymore.
Maddy tightened the towel around Stacy, her voice trembling.
— Sometimes, I feel like I'm not even myself anymore… Am I still human ? How can I abandon the only family I have left ? I'm nothing but a monster…
Stacy stared at her, confused.
"Maddy… Has she started taking her medication again ? But even if she had, something about her was different this time."
Maddy took a deep breath before locking eyes with Stacy.
— Please, Stacy… Run away. Don't stay for me. I don't want you to end up dying because of me. Do it for me… as long as I still have my sanity. I don't know what's happening to me… —Her voice broke— but I feel like something else is hiding inside me. Something that is pushing me to act differently than I want to. So please… run away.