I found myself drifting through Professor Yvonne's lecture, grateful that she didn't press me with questions, all thanks to my dad's insistence on my academic diligence. His aspirations for me to become a lawyer, seeking justice for my parents' untimely demise, weighed heavily on my mind. While I appreciated his intentions, my path forward had to be my own.
As soon as class ended, I hurried out, inadvertently colliding with Maya and her posse, Mirabel and Sheena—more like her entourage of dolls.
In this day and age, I thought, who still finds time to torment others like Maya did? Unfortunately, we were in the same class.
"Can your Harry Potter glasses even see, or do you need a windshield?" Maya taunted, eliciting laughter from onlookers.
I chose to ignore them. My priorities were elsewhere, far too important to squander on their petty provocations.
"She must be deaf too. Maybe the school for the deaf is more her speed..." I heard Mirabel's voice before someone pulled me away, drowning out her words.
It was Tony, my ever-supportive friend. Tony had faced hardships similar to mine, abandoned by his mother at a young age, leaving him and his father to struggle until his stepmother, Lynch Carl—better known as Lady Lynch, the fashion icon—changed their lives. But that's Tony's story for another time.
We settled in the quiet confines of the art library, empty save for us. Tony fired up his laptop as I laid out meticulously detailed artwork from my bag. Our mission began—sifting through countless online profiles resembling that face.
"I warned you this wouldn't be easy," Tony remarked, voicing earlier concerns.
"Anthony," I addressed him sternly, irritated by any hint of discouragement, especially from him.
"I'm sorry, Kay. I just worry about you drowning in work. Remember, we have group projects and assignments," he replied, his expression tinged with concern. That was Tony—compassionate and always there to help.
"I know, Tony, but the dreams won't stop. They're pushing me to act now," I explained, seeking understanding. Tony nodded, offering a reassuring pat on my back. We returned to our search, combing through each lead diligently.
My phone interrupted our focus, a reminder I had forgotten to inform my sister of my extended absence.
"Hey, Sissy, I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner, but there's a sudden group project," I rushed out before she could accuse me.
"I smell lies, Katie. You said the group work starts tomorrow. What's going on? Are you hiding something?" Sandra's intuition never failed.
"Sis, how could I hide anything from you? Professor Yvonne's trip was moved up, and we have to submit our project before she leaves," I reassured, trying to sound convincing.
Tony's widened eyes hinted at my newfound ability to fabricate stories.
Satisfied, Sandra hung up after cautioning me not to stay out late.
Sandra knew me too well; lying to her weighed on my conscience, but I couldn't burden her with my tumultuous past.
"Why are you giving me that look, Tony? I didn't lie," I defended myself as he smirked knowingly.
"Let's just focus on the task at hand," he deflected, chuckling at my discomfort.
"I found the top twenty closest matches. Now, let's track their locations," he announced.
"Wow, Tony, you're amazing!" I exclaimed, squeezing him in a grateful hug. He groaned at my enthusiasm but joined in our laughter.
Progress was slow but steady. Mom, Dad, I promise to expose everyone responsible for your deaths.
As evening descended and exhaustion set in, we found no viable leads among the addresses we checked. Reluctantly, Tony suggested we continue tomorrow. I wanted to press on but didn't want to impose on him. We agreed and left the library together.
Night had fallen, and the area buzzed with activity near our faculty building.
"The freshmen are having their welcome party," Tony informed me.
"Why am I always the last to hear these things? I'm a student here too!" I exclaimed in mock annoyance.
Tony teased, "Because you're too much of a party pooper," darting away playfully when I playfully swiped at him. He stopped, and my driver's honk brought me back to reality.
"Thank your lucky stars, you silly boy. See you tomorrow!" I shouted over the lingering noise, blowing him kisses that he theatrically caught and returned before I hopped into the car.