Chapter 4

Skyla

(Past)

After that session, I came out of that classroom. I don't know, but he seems scary. He didn't leave any way out for me to deny him. I had to agree with him. It wasn't like I don't want to learn to play the violin, so I decided to go for it. He was like, you liked my play, so you have to play that too. He kept patient with me every time I made the same mistake. I was lucky to get a senior as my violin teacher. I was lost in my thought that I didn't notice students were giving me a strange look. Then I bumped into someone before I fell that person held my forearm firmly. 

Looking up, I saw a boy looking at me with a smirk. Straightening my composure, I made him leave my hand and apologized immediately, "I am Sorry. I-I didn't see you coming."

He was looking at me from my head to toe. I stiffened under his watch. What's with the boys in this school studying me in this way? I shrugged that thought and about to move, I heard him saying, "No problem, Bella. Every girl does the same to get my attention to them. I never saw you before, by the way." 

What's that supposed to mean?  Attention? From him? I don't want anyone's attention on me. I decided not to waste my time in that argument. I cleared my throat and said, "I am new here. If you don't mind, I have to go to attend my next class." 

I was about to move, his voice stopped me again, "Sure. Well, it's Mason." He forwarded his hand to shake. I hesitated for a moment but accepted that anyway. 

"Skyla." Taking my hand, I looked into his eyes. He repeated, "Skyla," It sounded like he was tasting my name. "See you around, Skyla." He whispered. Something within me said that he wouldn't leave me easily in this school. It would be wise if I stay away from this Mason guy. 

I nodded and left. I felt his gaze lingering behind me. I entered my designated classroom and sat at the end of that room. Invisible. Then I felt someone's gaze on me. The gaze that was following me from the very beginning I ran away from my foster home. I follow that direction, and I found no one. Why? I feel helpless thinking, l could never get rid of that person. But I would never give up on my fear. Never.

I pushed that thought aside and concentrated on the lecture. When school hours over, I went to the parking lot. Climbing on my bicycle, I went to grandma's bakery. When I reached her sweet shop, I parked my bicycle and entered. Seeing me, her eyes lit up. She said cheerfully, "My granddaughter is back." I laughed, seeing her jumping in joy. Her warm smile calms me down, and I felt like she is my real family. Well, an orphan always looks for someone who would care and love you unconditionally. She instructed her workers to take the orders and ran toward me. She pulled me in a hug and said, "How was your school, my child?"

Remembering Carl's violin lesson, my lips curved up. I said with a pout, "I will tell you everything. But I am hungry, granny. Give me something fast."  

Laughing softly, she pinched my cheek and said, pointing to an empty seat, "Sit there, dear. I am bringing something."

I went to sit there but stopped when I felt myself being watched again. Should I tell her about this? What if she gets worried? I looked toward the direction from where I felt someone was watching me, I saw a person in a hoodie, standing a little far away from granny's bakery. I became numb. My face paled. I couldn't see his face, but he could see me very well. In fear, my heart started beating erratically. I heard granny calling, but my eyes stuck on that hoodie man. I saw him turned around and disappeared to the next alley. 

I felt a familiar hand shaking my shoulder. I came out of my daze and saw granny was looking at me in concern. She asked, "What happened? I have been calling you for more than two minutes. Why are you this pale? What are you looking at?" She turned her gaze to the direction where that man in a hoodie standing and watching me for a few moments. 

I took a shaky breath and said, "No, granny. I was thinking about the school tests, and that's why I spaced out." I lied. I didn't want to give her any trace as she was very old. I care about her health more than anything. She needed to stay happy and tension-free all the time. 

"Oh, my poor child. I know you will do well there. Now, come and let me feed my granddaughter." She took me and made me sit beside her. While feeding, she asked, "Tell me what happened in your school."

"Uh- I happened to pass a classroom when I heard a sweet melody coming from that room. I pushed a little and peeked. I saw a senior boy playing his violin. Closing my eyes, I stood there and listening to his play. But when I heard him stop, I opened my eyes only to see him standing in front of me. I got scared, thinking maybe I offended him. But he dragged me and taught me how to play the violin. He demanded to come at the same time as he wanted to teach me properly." Looking at her, I said pointedly, "See, granny. He didn't ask but ordered me to come. He looks scary. So I couldn't deny it. Well, I have a thing with the violin, you know. I always wanted to learn that."

Granny gave her a skeptical look and said, "You should be thankful to that boy, Skyla. I can't believe you are being this mean to him and saying he is pressuring you. He is a great child. I am giving a box of sweet to you, and you will give that to him. You will tell him that your granny sent those muffins for him. Understand?" She said sternly. I sank into my seat and gave her a nod. She can be strict sometimes.

Then I helped her in her bakery, and I also completed my assignments there altogether. We reached home after ten at night. We talked for a while and went to our bedrooms. I went near the french door and looking at the sky. It was a peaceful night, and the sky was brighter than usual, the valley of shining pearls. The cool breeze blowing outside made me shivered. But I refused to move away from the balcony. I was adjusting my hair, at moment, I heard something fell on the floor of my balcony. I looked at the floor and saw a paper ball. I grabbed that and opened it. 

A saw a message, "Stay away from that hallway boy, Mason." 

I hurriedly looked at the road and saw that same person in a hoodie standing there, and I saw something shining in his hand. I narrowed my eyes to see that thing. I stopped breathing, knowing well what that thing was. A knife.