● Illusory ●

Chapter 4

Alex

I was frozen in shock once the words had come out of Yuuko's mouth. Somehow, I knew my gut feeling from last night wasn't meaningless. It was warning me, wasn't it? I know I'm not a psychic, but I had a feeling something was going to go wrong. Feelings like that don't just happen without a reason.

Suddenly, I felt as if I were going a many years back, like I was thirteen again. It was almost as if I was seeing a certain night once again, when a warmth that had once surrounded me disappeared. Though, I broke from the memory immediately before I could hear the sounds once again. I didn't want to think about it now. Just let me save it all for later when I won't be breaking down in front of a ton of people.

Once Nadine finished her phone call, she informed everyone of the murder as Yuuko did before. A girl who I recognized as the local club DJ, Cyan, clung to Nadine while the leader held Yuuko's hand. I wondered what her connection was to the victim. The answers could vary.

"Unfortunately, we'll have to say goodbye to Miss Layn and say goodbye to her gift of being an animal whisperer. I seek to find justice for her death, but we should not let events like these cloud our judgment," Nadine spoke, "Even in times like these, the deaths of those we so detest and suspect is not the answer. If we do indeed find the killer, do not threaten them or kill them for revenge. Let the effects of luck and karma take its course."

"We are going to contact Miss Layn's brother, Lewis, and take care of Miss Simmons here, but please do not bombard her with questions," Yuuko added, "If you have anything to ask, save it for tomorrow anyways. Take the time to let both yourselves and your fellow members heal. This is something that's heavy on all of us."

The room was silent as the three filed out of the room, the only sound that I could hear being my own breathing. It wasn't long before quiet voices then broke the silence, the other members questioning what could have happened, but I stayed silent. In fact, I almost felt dazed, as if none of this was real. Yet, I was feeling scared.

I turned to the exit before I felt Seiko grab my sleeve. I then faced her, to see that she was looking concerned. "Where are you going?" she asked.

"I just need some air. I might go for a walk or something," I told her, not exactly knowing my full plan. I was going to walk, but I didn't know where to. I wasn't going to get lost like I used to though. Having to call your friend to come find you while you were unknowingly in the bad side of the city was horrible enough.

Seiko hesitated, her hand lingering on my sleeve for a moment before she finally nodded. "Okay, but be careful. I don't want you to get hurt."

I nodded then exited the room, not fully understanding why she always told me to be careful. I mean, I'll obviously be fine. I don't even get why she'd care about me getting hurt anyway. I don't know, I'm letting negativity get to me again. I should be thankful.

Though, even as I entered the sidewalks outside and started strolling down the street, my mind wouldn't get off the subject of the murder and questioning why Seiko always tells me to be careful. I guess it's something you usually say to people, but it still strikes me as odd. I appreciate the concern, but I don't think I know how to react to it. I'm not sure what to think, and honestly it almost makes me feel a little bashful. I almost think that I'm not even worth it.

It's almost like how I feel when people touch me I guess. I just freeze up and my face gets hot. My mind panics and literally screams "WHAT THE HELL! SOMEONE IS TOUCHING ME! WHAT'S GOING ON!?!?" I guess I'm weird because I internally freak out about being even remotely poked. I'm just weird in general though, aren't I? I mean, look at me. I literally have the Force. My existence in itself just screams "Weird"!