On the following Monday morning, it was the first time in years that Jake reached school early, to meet the worried gaze of his friends. As they stood at their usual spot by the entrance, waiting for the bell to ring, the boys couldn't help but notice many kids checking their phones and laughing. Apparently, the video of Ms. Burns dancing was forwarded to many other people.
"We are so dead." Sam huskily said.
"Well it's all your fault dude. You should have let me delete the stupid video." Jake spat, annoyed at his friend.
"Hey guys! Stop it now. We should stay together in such moments, not drift apart." Kyle reasoned successfully.
As they headed towards first two periods, which was English class, the boys mustered strength for the worst, but were faced with more confusion when Ms. Burns did not show up.
"What do you think happened to her?" Kyle wondered aloud. Ms. Burns was never late, that too by 20 minutes.
"Do you think she moved?" Sam asked.
"No she did not Mr. Samuel." Sam was interrupted by a smiling Ms. Burns. The boys stared back and forth from each other and their teacher, who was in turn smiling at them, which Jake found creepy and weird. Something about that smile made Jake shiver in his spot.
"Sorry for the lengthened delay class, I was held in some important personal issues at home. Thankfully it has now been sorted." She continued, the same creepy smile plastered permanently on her face, as she looked at Sam.
"Now, without further due, let's get on with the class." She said, as she started explaining Literature.
"I think she doesn't seem to mind." Sam told his friends, with a triumphant grin on his face, but judging by the look on the teacher's face and the constant glancing at Sam, Jake was not convinced.
"I think we should apologize." Jake suggested, triggering a groan from Sam.
"Not again." He said, rolling his eyes. "You are such a teacher's pet."
"Mr. Samuel. Eyes dancing eh?" Ms. Burns suddenly interrupted, emphasizing on the word "dancing." "Please stay after class. I would wish to have a word with you." She said sternly, and continued with the class, causing all five friends, especially Jake, to gulp in fear. They all knew what the after-class conversation would be about.
As the bell for third period rung, the boys headed towards their next class, in the absence of Sam ,who apparently was talking to Ms. Burns. Jake and his friends would inquire once they meet for lunch.
However, during lunchtime, Sam was a no-show. Running around the school, in search for their friend, they came to a halt as they heard a loud scream of terror in the boys' bathroom down the hall.
As all other students gathered near the bathroom, the boy who was screaming out of fear ran out and started yelling : "He's dead! Call a teacher! NOW!"
Thinking the worst, Jake, Kyle and Mark rushed into the boys' bathroom, to find the lifeless body of their friend sprawled on the floor, shattered glass by the bloodied wrists of Sam. They were shocked and at the same time grieved for the loss of their friend, but were more surprised as they opened the note peeking out from the right pocket of his jeans which read:
"I'm sincerely sorry Ms. Burns. I deserve nothing more worse than death. Forgive me please."
Staring at their blood hounded friend in shock, the trio stood frozen as realization hit them again.
Their friend was dead.