FrAcTuReD (Part One) (Completed continued in Part Two)

Chapter. 28

Erin frowned and thought it over unsure of where this was coming from. "I guess, not really sure, why?"

"No real reason," Mordecai said as he pushed himself off the railing. "Just recalling something an old friend asked of me once. It was only one time, that one time where I should have spoken up and asked if something was happening before he died. I never did understand why he asked me, maybe because he saw that I could be close to her without any judgment or maybe because we were all in some similar circumstances."

"So, that means you're keeping this friend's promise?"

"All the way to my grave," he said stretching his arms above his head. "I know some would find it stupid but I could never not do it. Even if she didn't remember me, but I have a feeling he knew something would happen and now she needs more support then ever."

"Sounds like it's going to be hard," Erin said as Mordecai headed to the stairs. "Hey, you ever meet that person your supposed to protect, what will you tell them?"

Mordecai paused at the door's frame. "I don't know," he said.

"I want you to keep Charla safe, no matter what if you see her again keep her safe from the monsters. That's all I ask."

"Monsters..."

Erin looked at Mordecai who still haven't moved.

"What do monsters look like to you?" he asked without even turning around.

"I'm not sure, I suppose it's how you look at it. Why, this person wanted you to protect someone from a monster?"

"Not just one," he said, his voice soft. "There's never just one, it wouldn't be that easy." He recalled going to Carlin's funeral and how many of the adults seemed to look almost evil while Charla was being held by a broken-hearted but still caring father. "But then it never is..."

"Sounds like you one hell of a battle ahead of you."

Mordecai scoffed but still gave a smile. "I suppose I do, wish me luck."

Erin waved but couldn't help but wonder who exactly these so-called monsters were. He knew that Mordecai was smart, but Erin just hoped he wouldn't get too ahead of himself, even if his family held power.

The day felt as though it progressed slowly. And during that time at school Charla couldn't help but feel as though the back of her skull would split open.

It's getting worse, but why? She thought as she leaned back in an old leather chair in the library, she had told Alex and the others to look for her there whenever they finished with their tests since Charla had completed her test early. Even in this horrible state she was at least able to finish that damn test. Am I stressed because of those deaths? No, that's not right. This is different, but I recognize the pain, I've felt it before.

She closed her eyes and recalled a faint blurred image, one of a man who seemed to tower over her and smile almost arrogantly as he reached for her. Instantly her eyes burst open, that memory, it was one that she had been suppressing, something of which had happened before the events of her blackouts and wandering.

Charla glared up at the ceiling of the library. So, that's why... damn it. It had to be that, was it because of that man? The one that my Other Self had interacted with? I wouldn't know, but I feel... like he and him are somehow similar. But I won't know until I meet him. She closed her eyes and let out a breath. But I hope I never do.

"No matter the situation you must never be alone with him. Duke is a lowlife, someone who will do anything by any means to get a story, even if it's a false one."