Page 21 of Shadowface 1979

One after another they walk by me with their sweet smiles. Short skirts, soft legs, smooth skin. Any of them could be the next Shadowface victim, and they’d all hit the mark. They hurry past me. Giggle, blush and whisper, but otherwise, they don’t talk to me.

Despite being cleared by the police days ago, the rumors are still running strong about me. To them, I’m the rich, mysterious bad boy who rides a motorcycle. To me, they’re a string of faceless victims, none of whom seem quite right for me.

The girls gather near where Diana is hiding a few feet away. If they see her, they will torment her—but at least then I’ll have something to amuse myself with for the next ten minutes while I sit back and watch.

Lifting my eyes from my book, I watch as they circle her. Though I am nearby and have a clear view, the girls are unaware of my presence. I consider making myself known, but don’t. I want to see what Diana is made of. It doesn’t take long for them to notice her.

“We don’t want you here, freak,” Cindy hisses, trying to keep her voice low so as to not catch the attention of the librarian sitting near the front. The three girls circle Diana, who doesn’t flinch or move at all.

My eyes linger on Cindy. In theory, she’s perfect. I can pretend to love her, just so I can see her bleed. It would make Talia happy, but Talia ultimately doesn’t get to decide who my sacrifice is. It’s a personal choice.

“Nothing about you seems right,” Cindy says, toying with her. “Even your own mama warned us at church to stay away from you; says you’re a witch.”

Diana flips the page of her textbook. “So, stay away from me, then.”

Cindy lets out a harsh laugh. “That’s not how it works. This is my school, so you need to leave.”

Diana looks up, finally meeting their gaze head on. “I can’t do that.”

Cindy sucks in breath and gives the sign of the cross. “Jesus Christ. God wasn’t good to you, huh?”

“This ain’t about God,” Diana snaps. “If you think I’m some kinda witch, you think cornering me is a good idea?”

Cindy’s lips curl. “Don’t threaten me. You are nothing but a worm to me.”

Diana’s eyes drift to her textbook. “I’m not threatening you; I’m just stating facts. You seem rather scared of things you don’t understand, so it’s probably best you leave me alone before I curse you.”

Cindy’s eyes widen. “You wouldn’t.”

Diana smiles, darkness encompassing her. “Oh, I would…and I will.”

The librarian coughs from the desk near the front, causing Cindy to back down.

“You better watch your back, freak,” Cindy warns and motions for her friends to follow her. “Come on, let’s get the hell away from her. I bet she’s a devil worshiper.”

I give it a few minutes and wait until they leave, and once I’m certain the library is empty, I quietly rise from my spot and head to the backside of the shelf to get a better view of her. I run my hand along all the dusty books and place my mask over my head, letting the harsh fabric scratch my face.

She doesn’t worship the devil yet…but she will.

I stand perfectly still as the bell rings, and everyone left in the library leaves—including the librarian. It’s time to have a bit of fun.

I’m going to finally make my presence known.

All week I’ve been watching her, appreciating what she’s like when she thinks no one is looking. She’s a beautiful snake in the grass, just like I am.

Lost in thought, she absentmindedly plays with her braid and chews on her pencil, ignoring the fact the bell just rang.

I flick my wrist, and a book goes flying off the shelf.

Her head whips up, eyes focusing right where I’m standing.

She may be partially blind, but her senses are keen. Wild, like a beast in the woods, reminding me a touch of how Talia is.

I don’t move. I want her to see me staring at her from the shadows; I want her to know I’m here watching her. And if she does see me through the slits of the bookshelf, all she will see is a masked face.

Her head tilts slightly. “Who’s there?” she whispers. She wraps her arm around herself as if that would save her.

I step out of the shadows and her head whips to where I was standing. It takes half a second for her to realize I’m not there. Like liquid, I slide to another bookshelf and flick another book, letting it drop to the floor.