Kill Him Nine Times Chapter 27
After a faint crackle of static, the ninth loop officially began.
This was the last loop the system could manage.
Its energy was almost completely gone.
I was standing in the guidance counselor’s office, thin as a shadow.
The teacher was patiently trying to persuade me.
“Cosima, about the transfer, I still think you should consider it more carefully.”
“If you’re having financial difficulties, you can tell the school. We’ll help you.”
“But if you transfer to that prep school… the tuition is one thing, but the students there all come from wealthy families. If you go, you could easily be at a disadvantage.”
I came back to myself and looked at the wrinkled transfer application in my hand.
Then I smiled.
So this was where it all began.
I tore up the application and threw it in the trash.
“You’re right, Ms. Parker. I’m not transferring. I’m staying here to prep for the SATs.”
I went back to the classroom.
Back to the point before everything was ruined.
Back to set right the life that should have been mine.
During the last class before lunch, the teacher walked in with a boy.
He looked terrible. He was dressed head to toe in designer labels, but his eyes kept darting around nervously.
The teacher stood at the front of the room and introduced him.
“This is our new transfer student. I hope you’ll all make him feel welcome. Come on, let’s give him a hand.”
Applause filled the room.
The new boy stammered, “Hi, everyone… I… my name is Matteo DeLuca…”
His gaze landed on me.
As though he had finally found someone who could save him.