Chapter 9

Brenda hears the doorbell ring and runs down the stairs of her house to answer the door. After looking through the peephole, she asks, "Who is it?"

"It's Phil."

"What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to check up on you. I heard you didn't do so well in school today. What happened?"

"Don't worry about me. How are you doing?"

"I'd be better if you opened the door."

'Brenda, he's asking something sensible. What's wrong with you?' Brenda thinks to herself. 'You know what's wrong. Something isn't right. You still have that feeling in your gut and it is only getting worse.' Deciding on impulse, Brenda opens the door.

Phil comes right in and closes the door behind him. "Geez Brenda, what is wrong with you?"

"I'm sorry. It's just been a rough few days."

"I can tell. I heard after school that you left campus right after that announcement about Tiffany. I figured I should check on you even though you didn't seem to care that I was in an accident."

"Phil, I did care! Just because we aren't that great of friends anymore doesn't mean I didn't care about you. I know you must be mourning Missy's death greatly."

"You don't know the half of it. In all honesty, ever since you got together with John, you haven't cared about anyone but yourself and him."

"That so isn't true! Besides, if that was the truth, with your behavior right now, why would I want to care about someone like you who comes into my house, when he knows I am having a bad time, to harass me?"

"So you admit it!"

"I admitted no such thing! Phil, why are you here?"

"I told you, because I wanted to check up on you. I guess that is so unusual for a friend to do."

"You know, you really amaze me. One whole year ago, you and I were so close, yet right now, I don't even know the person standing in front of me!"

"Well that's what happens when you get a boyfriend and forget about other people around you!"

"Why do you have such a problem about the fact that you and I just grew apart? People do change you know."

"Oh, I know that too well. I cannot believe that you are talking to me like this."

"What do you expect Phil? You tell me you want to check up on me but you only end up causing more pain for me!"

"Me, cause more pain for you? That's crap Brenda. Then again, ever since you got together with that idiot John, you have been acting like crap. What did you ever see in that killer John?"

"He's not a killer!" Brenda exclaims automatically.

"Well look who decides that her ex-beloved no longer is a killer. That's incredible Bren. I can't believe after you freak out at school when you run into him after hearing about his arrest that you can stand there and defend him to me. He's worthless!"

Brenda can't do anything but just look at Phil. 'What's wrong with me? He's right. Nothing stopped me from believing it really was John that killed Tiffany. Why am I giving him some benefit of innocence now?'

"Well, I see I have hit a vulnerable spot. I'm glad you still have them. Anyway, I have to go. I'm glad you finally realized John's true colors before you went too far with him. Or am I too late?"

"Get out of here! Whether or not John is a killer is no longer a topic I care to discuss. No matter what though, you have no right to know my personal business or even dare to ask about it. Get your own life Phil!" Brenda screams as she opens the door for Phil to leave through.

"Oh, so you think I will leave, just like that?"

"Yes. Otherwise, there are three numbers I can dial on the phone real fast to get you hauled out of here."

"Well that's wonderful coming from my ex-friend. Perhaps it is you that corrupts whatever guy you get to know since we all seem destined for the slammer!"

"GO!"

"God Brenda, you really need to get rid of that temper. It so doesn't fit you."

"I'll show you what doesn't fit you!"

"Whoa! Didn't know you had that violence in you Brenda. Don't worry, I'll show myself out."

"You better…"

"Or else what? Wait. By that look of death on your face, I don't want to know. Perhaps you are in on all the killings with John. Maybe I should drop by the police station on my way home."

"Do whatever you want Phil. Just get out of my house and my sight!"

"You really need to tame that temper of yours Brenda."

"OUT!"

"Fine. See you later," Phil says, barely making it out of the door before the door slams behind him and locks three times.