THE DARKNESS THAT BINDS

The sun was shining brightly in the sky as Mia, Rachel, Alex, Lyra, and Sofia made their way to the cafeteria. They had all decided to grab lunch together, and Mia was excited to spend some quality time with them.

As they waited in line, Lyra suddenly spoke up, a serious look on her face. "Guys, have you heard about the mystery death down by the lake?" she asked.

Rachel's eyes widened with interest. "No, what happened?" she asked.

Lyra leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I heard it on the news yesterday. Apparently, someone was found dead down by the lake, and the police have no idea who it is."

Sofia felt creeps all over her body suddenly. "Another mysterious death?" She asked in whispers.

"I'm afraid so." Lyra nodded.

"What did they say killed him?" Rachel asked looking seriously at Lyra.

"A wild animal." Lyra said, her voice low, she obviously didn't believe it.

"Another wild animal attack?" Alex asked raising an eyebrow.

"Isn't that the fourth wild animal attack this month?" Sofia asked, her voice low, she was so creeped out.

"It's too suspicious to be a coincidence." Rachel interjected.

Mia raised her hand dramatically. "Oh guys, please. No need for the overreaction. Besides, the right authorities are dealing with the mystery." She said.

"You think it's a wild animal?" Alex asked folding his hands in front of him.

"As long as the report says it's a wild animal, then it's a wild animal. None of us has seen what these dead people look like, neither can we guess what killed it. If it isn't a wild animal, what else would it be?" Mia asked.

"Mia is right. If it isn't a wild animal then what else would it be?" Rachel asked looking from one person to the other.

The question was left hanging as no one could guess.

Finally, it got to their turn to order food, they each ordered their usual lunch fare and walked to their sits with their lunches.

"Whatever is causing these mystery deaths, the authorities should just deal with it. Innocent people are dying." Sofia said as she munch on the food in front of her.

"Innocent? Are they innocent?" Alex asked flamboyant.

"Alex!!" They chorused his name.

Alex raised his hand in defense. "I'm just saying okay, ladies. No need to attack me."

"But guys, Alex could be right, you know." Lyra said shrugging.

"So what do you suspect? That they are not innocent and that their deaths are deserved?" Mia asked.

"Who knows? It could be a serial killer taking revenge." Alex suggested.

"Alex!!" They chorused his name again and they all burst into laughter.

"You have been watching too much fantasy movies, or should I say sci-fi." Rachel chuckled.

Alex shrugged with a smile. "It's just a suggestion guys." He said.

Eres walked into the restaurant and waved at Mia from across the dinner hall before walking to wait in line to grab her lunch.

"Who is that?" Rachel asked curiously.

"Eres. My roommate." Mia answered.

"Oh. I didn't see her the day we came to drop your things." Rachel spoke.

"Yeah. I only met her yesterday." Mia replied calmly.

"Oh, okay. Cool." Rachel nodded.

"So guys, I was thinking we should go for a movie after the end of class today. What do you guys think?" Sofia suggested.

"That's great." Lyra accepted grinning.

"Count me in." Alex said smiling.

"It's been a while we hanged out. The last time we had fun was last semester so yes, sounds like a plan." Rachel said.

Mia looked apologetic. "Sorry guys, I can't tag along." She said.

Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Why?" She asked curiously.

"I have plans this evening...with Eres." Mia replied.

"Oh.." Rachel mouthed.

They fell silent for a while before Alex spoke up. "We could watch the movie tomorrow then. I wouldn't want you to miss out on our first group outing together this semester."

"Awwn...you will do that?" Mia exclaimed smiling brightly.

Sofia chuckled. "We are friends now, ofcourse we can't leave without you. We can't watch a movie without you." She smiled.

"Thanks guys. That's really sweet." Mia grinned.

Lyra checked her wrist watch. "It's almost time for psychology class."

"Yes. We need to get to class." Rachel stood up first and the rest joined her.

The group walked to their psychology class. As Mia walked into the psychology classroom, her eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces of her classmates. Her gaze landed on Karl, who was sitting in his usual spot, his attention focused on the textbook in front of him. Mia's heart skipped a beat as she felt a surge of nervousness wash over her.

She tried to brush off the feeling, reminding herself that she was in a crowded classroom and that Karl was just another student. But as she made her way to her seat, she couldn't help but feel like Karl's presence was suffocating her.

Mia's breath caught in her throat as she walked past Karl's desk, trying not to make eye contact. She could feel his eyes on her, but she refused to acknowledge him. Instead, she focused on finding her seat and getting settled for the lesson.

As she sat down, Mia took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She reminded herself that she was here to learn, and that Karl's presence shouldn't distract her from her goals.

When Mia walked past him, deliberately avoiding eye contact, Karl's lips curled into a forced smile. He didn't quite understand why he found Mia's reactions to him so amusing, but there was something about the way she stiffened and tried to ignore him that he found endearing.

Karl was used to having an effect on girls. He knew he was charming and good-looking, and he had a certain confidence that seemed to draw people to him. But there was something about Mia's reactions that made him feel...relaxed. Like he didn't have to try so hard to impress her.

As he watched Mia settle into her seat, Karl's smile faltered immediately, and he suddenly became nonchalant. He looked away, his gaze drifting to the front of the classroom, where the professor was beginning to lecture. Karl's expression turned neutral, and he slouched slightly in his seat, his eyes fixed on the professor with a detached interest.

He seemed to have lost all interest in Mia, his attention now focused on the lesson at hand. His body language screamed indifference, and he looked like he couldn't care less about Mia's presence in the classroom. It was as if he had flipped a switch, and his earlier amusement and curiosity had been replaced by a complete lack of concern. Karl's nonchalance was almost palpable, and it seemed like he was deliberately trying to convey that Mia was of no importance to him.

The psychology lecture came to a close, Mia began packing up her things, shoving her notebook and pen into her bag. Rachel, who was sitting next to her, did the same, and the two girls exchanged a brief smile.

"Ready to go?" Mia asked.

Rachel nodded, and the two girls walked out of the classroom together, falling into a comfortable silence as they made their way into the bustling hallway. Rachel suddenly collided with a tall, handsome guy who was walking in the opposite direction. Rachel's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a flutter in her chest as she took in the guy's chiseled features and bright brown eyes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Rachel exclaimed, her voice a little breathless. She felt her face heat up with a blush as the guy smiled and steadied her.

"No worries, I'm fine," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "I'm Jake."

Rachel's heart skipped a beat as she took in the way Jake's eyes sparkled when he smiled. She felt a little lightheaded, and her voice was barely above a whisper as she replied, "I'm Rachel."

Mia, who had been walking alongside Rachel, noticed the way her friend's eyes lit up when she looked at Jake. She saw the way Rachel's face flushed with a blush, and the way her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. Mia couldn't help but smile to herself as she realized that Rachel was clearly smitten with Jake.

Jake glanced at his watch and apologized for having to run. "It was great bumping into you, Rachel," he said, smiling at her. "Maybe I'll see you around campus?"

Rachel's face lit up with a bright smile as she nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, that would be great," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Jake walked away, Rachel turned to Mia with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Oh my gosh, Mia, he's so cute!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement.

Mia laughed and playfully rolled her eyes. "I think you might be a little smitten, Rach," she teased, grinning at her friend.

Rachel's face flushed with a blush, but she couldn't help smiling. "No," she denied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Oh, you clearly were. It was so obvious, tell me the truth, you like him?" Mia teased her.

Rachel blushed. "I will tell you the truth if only you would return the favour."

Mia raised a curious eyebrow. "And how can I do that?" She asked.

Rachel nudged her shoulder. "You like Karl?" She asked.

"No." Mia answered immediately.

Rachel laughed. "It doesn't seem so."

"You are changing the topic, Rach." Mia laughed.

Rachel chuckled and grinned mischievously. "Am I?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm just trying to get the truth out of you, Mia. You can't blame me for trying."

Mia chuckled and shook her head. "You're not going to give up, are you?" she asked, laughing.

Rachel shook her head, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "No way," she said. "I'm going to keep pushing until you admit the truth."

Mia sighed dramatically, pretending to be exasperated. "Fine," she said. "Let's forget about the topic then"

Both girls burst into prolonged laughter.

Mia checked the time on her wrist watch. "I need to get going. Eres will be waiting for me at the entrance." She said.

Rachel folded her arms as they walked down the stairs. "So you and Eres are like best of friends now?"

"Not besties, we are more like roomies and friends." Mia said.

Rachel chuckled. "Roomies and friends, huh? That's cool. I'm glad you're getting along with her." She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "So, what are you guys doing tonight?"

Mia shrugged, her shoulders rising and falling in a casual gesture. "I'm not sure. We didn't make any specific plans. She said we could hang around and probably explore the market. We just want to get to know our way around Santiago. I guess I could get a few things for myself too."

Rachel nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Sounds like a relaxing evening. I'm a little jealous, actually." She grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Maybe next time we can all hang out together, including Eres."

Mia smiled, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "That sounds like a great idea! I'll have to ask Eres if she's interested." She said.

"You didn't forget dinner with my parents this weekend, did you?" Rachel asked raising an eyebrow.

"Ofcourse not. I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world." Mia smiled.

"Okay great." Rachel nodded.

Mia expression turned thoughtful. "I should probably get going. I don't want to keep Eres waiting."

Rachel nodded, her expression understanding. "Yeah, go ahead. I'll catch up with you later, okay?" She smiled, her eyes sparkling with friendship.

Mia smiled back, feeling grateful for her friend's understanding. "Sounds good. Talk to you later, Rach." She waved goodbye and headed off to meet Eres.

Eres was standing at the entrance like they had planned, she walked to her with an apologetic look.

"Hey Eres...so sorry to keep you waiting." Mia apologized.

Eres shook head, not taking any offense at all. "No, it's fine..I understand." She reply with a smile.

Mia smiled back. "Shall we?" She asked.

Eres nodded and together they set out to the city. Eres ordered a cab to take them to the market. When they got there, Eres paid the cab man and together they walked into the market.

"So what are you getting?" Mia asked Eres as she looked from one opened store to another. Eres did same.

"Well, I was thinking we should get a few designs for our room decor. The actual room decor is not giving me the satisfaction I need." Eres complained and Mia laughed.

"I literally thought I was the only one who found the room decor boring." She laughed.

They walked around getting some designs for the room. LED lights, throw pillows, rugs, hanging plants and desk organisers.

"I need to get a few things for myself too." Mia mentioned.

"Oh! What are you getting?" Eres asked as she held onto the packaging bags.

"A few books. I get bored sometimes from social media and I left all my books in LA." Mia informed her.

"Great. I read books too, we should probably get that." Eres agreed and together they walked to a bookstore.

Mia and Eres walked through the rows of books hanging on the shelf picking out one book or the other.

After picking out their favourite books, they walked to the counter to pay giggling and laughing at a romance novel in Eres' hands. Mia gave her a highlight of the book and Eres was giggling, she was a fan of romance and mystery.

When they got to the counter, Mia was shocked to see the one person she least expected to set her eyes on. It was....Karl...as in Karl Valois.

She was completely taken aback, her expression showed how surprised she was to see him...she was surprised to see him at a bookstore and at the counter, obviously to pay for the books in his hand. She didn't know he read...she didn't know he read books.

She stood rooted on a spot as her eyes locked on him, her mouth agape.

Karl, on the other hand was not left out, he was surprised to see the new girl from school in a bookstore, though he didn't let his surprise show on his face. He was beginning to think she was stalking him, she was literally everywhere he went, she was always at that exact place he was supposed to be and at the same time.

It was definitely not coincidental, she was stalking him and he could read through her innocent looking face.

Karl scoffed and turned his attention away from her and back to the lady behind the counter, he paid for his books and left the bookstore without sparing another glance at Mia who was still motionless from bumping into Karl in a bookstore.

"Mia.." she heard Eres faint voice calling out to her.

Slowly, she regained composure.

"What's wrong? What happened? Are you okay?" Eres asked a bit worried, she had watched Mia remained motionless for few minutes after setting her eyes on the guy that just left the bookstore.

"I'm fine." Mia convinced Eres and herself. She didn't know why she always had to act absorb whenever she saw Karl. What effect did he really have on her? Why was she always nervous, surprised or cautious whenever she noticed she was in the same room as her. "Let's pay for the books." She said.

"Yeah sure, but who is that?" Eres asked.

"Who?" Mia asked feigning ignorance.

Eres raised her eyebrow.

"Oh, him. That was Karl, Karl Valois." Mia introduced.