GIANNA'S P.O.V.

The rough tap made me jump a bit, of course. I grasped the back of my chair and flung my legs over the side for a better view of the boy so I would not accidentally pull a neck muscle. Ever pulled a neck muscle? Goodness, it is one of the most painful non-life-threatening injuries. It is too easy to do - especially when you are stretching. Desiree explained not long ago that she has never once pulled a neck muscle. Should I believe her? Well, she is not the type to lie. She might not be familiar with lying. On the other hand, I have never met anyone unfamiliar with the annoying pain of pulling a neck muscle.

The mysterious boy standing behind me and my sister, Brianna, looked close to my age. He was wearing a soft smile. His hands were intertwined in front of his chest. His whole body but his head, hands, and feet was being hidden by his black cloak. On his feet were dress shoes. His eyelids were drooping.

"Uh, may we help you?" Jay questioned in an awkward yet annoyed tone. "This is a private celebration."

"My sincerest apologies," the young boy apologized, his voice a little low. "Is there a Gianna?"

"Who wants to know?"

"And a Desiree?"

Desiree's hand shot up as if she were in class. "Me, me! That is me!"

"For somebody coming from court because she ended a classmate's life, you sure are enthusiastic."

"Are you part of the ridiculous group believing that she is a murderer?" Brianna spat. "Without acknowledging the entire story? Or are you dismissing the juicy details not fitting your narrative?"

"'Narrative'? Why she should be sentenced to life in jail or to death?"

Possum's seat scraped the checkered floor as he moved away from our table. Standing behind his girlfriend, he gently squeezed her shoulders, reassuring her that tons of Forlot residents did not want to see her go to prison. Her family and friends were on her team. But the most important Person on her team was Jesus.

Why do people refuse to acknowledge the dire fact that Olivia vowed to be an infamous serial killer? She would have killed at least one innocent student - me - had she not been finished off by Desiree. Desiree was defending the students on the hit list.

I pray that Mary Sue delivers the correct verdict. Never thought that I would say this about Mary Sue.

"Olivia's parents should be sentenced to life in prison," Possum said sternly. "They were responsible for Olivia. They should have kept a close eye on her to prevent her from being fascinated by serial killers and plain wicked people and the idea of stealing an innocent life. But the way that they treat Desiree shows their true colors. I do not believe that they care about getting justice for their only child. If they were, they would recognize her killer plan and convince the prosecutor to drop the charges."

"I suspect the same," I agreed. "Only after her death do they actually care about her. Their concern is all an act. They are acting like caring parents so the other parents and the rest of the Forlot community will hopefully not judge them - calling them lowlifes and the other names in the book."

"I do not believe that Desiree here deserves prison time or her freedom," the boy admitted. "I am not the judge. I do not know all the facts. I did hear that Mary Sue is a pretty good judge. She is sure to make the right call."

"No doubt that she will," Jay responded. "Her behavior and words are proof that she will find Desiree innocent and help clear her charges so her ludicrous case cannot be presented to another judge or worse, a judge outside of town. A real world judge would send her behind bars without seeing the crucial part of the why. Why Desiree had no choice but to cut Olivia's life short."

The boy rubbed the tops of his hands. "I have not come all this way only to bicker if she did right by murdering one of her own schoolmates."

"You are not from around these parts?" Dad asked. "Do you live in the outskirts of town?"

"My family and I cannot live in the busy part of Forlot."

"Why not?" I demanded, suspicious.

"Are you allergic to people?" Desiree added. "Or stupid only? I would steer clear of those struggling to define a woman. A real woman like me and Gianna."

"You will become women when you are adults."

"We are more women than most adult 'women.'"

"Where do you and your family live? Also, what do you want with Gianna and Desiree?" Mom questioned.

"I will not kidnap them and sell them over the Internet or sacrifice them to some man-made god, I assure you. My village is in grave danger. Only Gianna and Desiree can save it."

I blinked twice and checked Desiree's facial expression. She was as shocked as I was.

"Why are we the only people who can save your village, What-Is-Your-Name?" Desiree asked the question that was on all our minds.

He put his hand on his chest. "I will happily tell you my name and everything regarding the village when we get settled there. Your family and boyfriends may join us if they wish as long as they do not interfere with the task. The village does not have much time."

"Can you at least explain how it is in danger?" I said. "I gotta pack the right essentials."

"All that it needs are your brains and hearts. We will go as soon as you are all ready. Please do not take too long packing. Countless lives are in your hands."

"What about Desiree's case? Desiree must stay in town, or she will be hauled off to jail," Jay commented.

"The village is part of Forlot."