2. The Boy No One Wanted

Leighton Keiler is an anomaly here in Galena. He was wildly popular in high school. He had good grades, a pretty girl on his arm, a national award-winning martial artist, and his parents died. Then nothing. Since he graduated he has stayed in that big white house his rich parents owned. Who knows? He could be Batman.

A lot of rumors float around, but I’ve studied the Keiler’s case. So here's what I know. Leighton was born on November 13, 1984. His parents were the richest family in Galena, not a huge feat because we’re such a small town. Nonetheless, they were loaded. His mom Sage was your average 80s housewife and his dad Leslie was a British Navy veteran but also an alcoholic, he liked to beat on Leighton and Sage anytime anything was off. He never faced any real consequences for his actions.

Sage had her problems though. She favored her daughter Maya. She would treat Maya like a queen and consistently forget Leighton despite his achievements. He would work his fingers to the bone trying to get some recognition from his parents.

Leslie hated his son. Leighton was always good but not in the way he wanted. He wanted a son who played soccer, partook in ROTC, and worked hard. Leighton on the other hand was active but preferred Taekwondo, he did extracurriculars but led the debate club, and he never learned his dad’s work ethic. The more Leighton drifted, the more Leslie hated him, the more violent Leslie became, the more Lighton hated him. And the cycle never ended.

Until October 12, 2003. Leslie and Sage were found dead in their home from a murder-suicide committed by Leslie. Leighton and Maya were at school and unfortunately had to hear the news via the principal. Leighton had turned 18. He was on his own, but got his father’s inheritance. Maya went to live with her aunt in New York. Although Leighton had a 4.0 GPA he dropped out and became a hermit. An interesting thing about this case is that Leighton wasn’t in the sight of anyone we know of when his parents died. It’s speculated that he was out dealing drugs. When he was questioned he was found with weed on him.

Theories circulate throughout Galena. Some people think Leighton killed his parents, some think Leighton’s dead body is laying in that house and that’s why no one sees him, but i think he’s just a broken guy living in that house alone wallowing in self-pity. It’s sad.

Today is Graduation. I get out of bed with a bit more optimism than I’ve had the past 4 years, I get dressed in a nice black dress, tights, and the same converse I wear every day. The shoes are torn up, but they’re what I have from my dad.

When I was 7, I wanted my room to be red. After dad had bought me a red balloon and it popped, I was so upset that Dad bought two buckets of red paint at the hardware store and painted my room. Unfortunately, we got it on Mom’s college shoes. My dad had hid the shoes in his closet, and gave them to me the day before he kicked the bucket. So, yes. I have been wearing the same shoes for 4 years. I’ve replaced the soles twice. I don’t think I'll ever stop wearing them.

I pull up to the school. The parking lot looks so empty. The assembly doesn’t start for 30 minutes, but I got here early to talk to Sanchez, but I didn't see her car. She must not be here yet. I put a CD in the player and crank the volume. I pull out my notebook and continue working on a poem. I write horror poetry for an occult publication in Europe.

falling in love is such a fickle thing

` and I love much differently than the rest

because I'll love you until death we part

until your blood is on the carpet

and I've seen inside your chest

until your limbs are sprawled-

BAP BAP BAP! I jerk my head around to see a blonde curly haired younger man knocking on my truck window. I turn down the radio, put my notebook to the side and roll down my window.

“Kindness Kimberly Sinlcair. Your parents like the letter K, hm?” I look at the man with confusion and disdain

“I’m sorry. Do I fucking know you?” He smiles at me, and moves his light, curly hair with his left hand.

“According to 7 different people, you know the most about me” I look into his dark eyes contemplating. We sit in silence for what feels like 30 minutes. Shit. Leighton Keiler. He sees the realization on my face and that sweet smile scarily fades in a heartbeat. “What are you doing today?”

“Um I- Well it’s graduation day…” he rolls his eyes.

“Can’t you skip that?” I look at the clock. 6 minutes till assembly.

“Erm- no, i can’t. I’m already late to meet someone.” his smile returns, less sweet this time, more preformative.

“10pm, meet me at the corner of Grove and Toledo.” he begins to make his departure.

“No? What? With the string of murders? Are you fucking nuts?”

“I’ll protect you. Come.” his dark eyes look more relaxed now

“You can come pick me up at my house or I can drive to yours. I’m not meeting a 23 year old in the middle of nowhere.” he shrugs with content.

“Fine. come to mine at 9:30” I look at him in gentle triumph and wait for him to leave. Great. Now I don't have time to see Ms. Sanchez. Teacher-student fantasy. Gone