The Water Holds Secrets
Title
The Water Holds Secrets
Creator
Abigail Pierre Louis
Date
04/23/2026
Text
It was 9:00 in the morning, and the body floated to the surface. Blue, bruised, and bloated. Thei body of Emily Lin was found near the dormitory, Bayview Student housing. In a matter of minutes, students started to gather. Chatter zigzagged through the crowd, and screens were pulled out. “Attention! Please move back and give the detectives space! Please!” yells campus security. They try to control the crowd while detectives pull the body out of the water. Gasps and the phrase “Oh my goodness” were heard from the crowd. As they put Emily body on the stretcher, the crowd was silent. Students stunned at the fact that one of their peers was found dead.
Sweetwater, Miami, the city that houses Florida International University and the students with it. College life is different; the city is different. There aren’t roads, cars, buses, or trains anymore. Instead, boats and kayaks and 8feet of water replace what was. The dorms top floors were only available and reserved for lower class men. The rest of upper-class men had to rely on off campus housing. This was difficult because the apartment buildings were limited due to half of it being submerged in water. They use Pitbull stadium as their temporary homes. They have house boats where the paint is a dull, dirty, blue color. The paint on the buildings was dull and peeling. For many years, Miami has been dealing with constant flooding that has submerged Miami Dade County in a sea level rise of 8. For years, warnings were issued, and strategies were put out. Yet, Miami is currently in the situation it is now.
Natasha woke up at 9:30am to prepare for her 11:00am class. Natasha always woke up 2 hours earlier to prepare herself. She did not like the feeling of being rushed, and her mother instilled in her the importance of looking her best. Natasha Brown is 19 years old who majors in psychology. She has dreams and ambitions to become a psychologist. Natasha grew up in North Miami with her mother and older sister. She is the first to attend college; her mother never had the money or opportunity to attend college. Her being the first meant so much to her and drove her ambition to be the best.
Natasha stepped out of the shower and washed her face at the sink, starting her skincare. “Hey Alexa, play “Tyrone” by Erykah Badu. The song fills the little restroom of her dorm. Natasha hums the song while applying moisturizer to her dark and vibrant skin. In the middle of her mini concert, she gets a face screen from Xavier. Natasha huffed and rolled her eyes, “what now?”. “Hello?” as she continues to apply her sunscreen. “What’s up Natasha, what are you doing?” replied Xavier “Nothing, just doing my skincare and I was having a mini concert until YOU interrupted.” Said Natasha playfully *Xavier laughs* “My bad, I just wanted to call you to ask about the news this morning.” replies Xavier “What news?” said Natasha concerned “You didn’t hear” said Xavier, “They found a dead body near Bayview Student housing.”
“WHAT?” “Are you serious? Who died?” asked Natasha “It was a student named Emily Lin.” stated Xavier “Oh my gosh. How is this possible? How did she die? Did they find a suspect? Oh my gosh, is there a certain demographic they are targeting? Xavier are they-” “Natasha calm down!” “Stop freaking out!” exclaimed Xavier.
Natasha tends to freak out at things when she doesn’t have the answers. Especially when it comes to murder.
“I'm sorry” says Natasha, “You know how I get when I freak out.” “Yeah. I know” says Xavier
Xavier and Natasha have been best friends for over 10 years. They did everything together. Xavier was also from North Miami, where he grew up with his dad and younger sister. His mother died from cancer when he was only 8 years old. Ever since her death he had dreams of becoming an oncology nurse.
Natahsa hangs up the call from Xavier. Her mind started to ask questions. Who could kill a person? And why on campus? This made her mind reach a very sad memory. The death of her sister Naomie. Naomie was 16 years old when she was found flat face in a ditch. That night was the worst for Natasha and her mother. Knowing her only sister was murdered and to make matters worse, the detectives rarely cared to find out who did this to her.
In the midst of her reminiscing, her phone started to ring. She looked at the time it was 10:30. “Oh crap!” Say Natasha. She hurries and gets her items and heads out the door. She walks out on to the wooden plank where she sees the cluster of speed boats with the words FIU transport marked across them.
She hops in and greets officer Mendez.” Where you headed to?” asks Officer Mendez, “Math building, I have statistics today,” said Natasha “Alrighty”, Mendez starts the boat. “Officer Mendez, what happened this morning?” “Is it true they found a dead body” asks Natasha concerned, “Yes, unfortunately. It’s a little sad you know, who would do such a thing?” Mendez replied as he looked at Natasha through his little rearview mirror. There was a little silence as Natasha watched as the palm trees and half of the buildings passed by.
Officer Mendez and Natasha have a good relationship with one another. Mendez was a huge help with Natasha on her first day on campus. She was lost; she did not know where her dorm was or the library or even her class! Mendez found her wandering like a little lost puppy and gave Natasha her own personal tour of the school. Ever since, they have been the best buddies. He ensures she makes it to her dorm safely and always looks out for her if she needs any help.
As they approached the math building, a large group of students seemed to be blocking the entrance looking over the wooden plank they stood on. Silence filled the air. Natasha gets off the boat and joins the crowd. Two bodies were being taken out of the water. Her heart starts to beat, and she becomes short of breath. Her anxiety started to consume her. Flashbacks of the night her mother received the call that her sister was murdered flooded her mind. Natasha quickly pushed through the crowd and into the math building where she sat down to catch her breath. Two more bodies? Natasha could not believe it. A stray of murders of college students. Natasha blood begins to boil. She couldn’t let this be overlooked, she needed to know if students' safety were prioritized and if they were going to do everything they could to find who did this.
Natasha skips statistics and texts Xavier and her friends to meet her at the cafe. Xavier joins the booth, and he can see the state of fear on her face. He was about to say something until a group of girls interrupted him. “Hey Natasha and Xavier! I haven’t seen y’all in a long time. Is everything fine? We got your text.” Lily says as she plops her backpack next to Xavier, forcing him to scoot over. Lily and Marie were both 20-year-old sophomores. Lily is currently majoring in art history and Marie is majoring in biochemistry. They were both Natasha and Xavier first friends when they came on campus.
“Where is Jay?” asked Natasha while scooting over, allowing Marie to sit next to her. “I don’t know, I texted him, but he did not respond.” replied Marie. “Hey, what was so urgent you wanted us all here?” asked Lily. “You know the bodies that were found on campus? I was thinking maybe we should help the detectives solve the murder or maybe even-” Natasha was cut off by Lily. “Wait, why would we help the detectives? Isn’t that their jobs?” Lily said as she looked around the table with Marie nodding along. Natasha looked shocked. “Well, yeah but I think it would show them that the students really value their safety and to solve this as soon as possible” Natasha responded nervously “ I’m pretty sure they are under a lot of pressure already and I don’t think it’s necessary to help, I mean what can we really do that they can’t? Replied Marie
Natasha heart sank. She really believed her friends would support her. That's the struggle of college life. Having friends but not having their support. She slouched and let out a quiet low “Never mind”. “I’ll help you” says Xavier after a long awkward silence. Natasha face lit up. One thing she can always do is count on her best friend. “Thank you” she whispered to Xavier.
A week has passed, and both Natasha and Xavier have only figured out the victims' names. Which was public information by the way. “Natasha, we have been looking for a week and all we know is that their names were Myle Dell and Joey Miers.” says Xavier exhausted. Natasha paces back and forth with her I screen listening to the video of the police officer talking to the news about the incident. This was her 5th time watching desperately looking for a clue. “If we want to find a clue, why don’t we just go and ask the detectives?” asks Xavier. Natasha turns her head and gives a mean glare. “Never mind” Xavier puts his head down hoping Natasha looks away. Natasha glances at the clock and sees it is time for her to get to chemistry. She tells Xavier she would meet him after class in the cafe where they will continue their “ongoing” investigation and eat dinner.
Xavier arrives at the cafe where he grabs two slices of pizza with a Gatorade. He sits and scrolls on insta tube on his screen. “Yo! Xavier is that you?” Xavier looks up and to his surprise he sees Jay. He lets out a sigh. Jay is the type of person you stay away from if you want to have a quiet night. Lucky for Xavier, he gets to have a high-end energized night with Jay. “What up Jay?” he says as he reaches his hand out. They dab each other up, and Jay takes a seat right across from Xavier. For the next 30 minutes, Jay yaps and yaps while stuffing pizza and all types of food in his mouth. Xavier was disgusted he tries to dodge food particles from Jays mouth. To Xavier's rescue, Natasha walks through the door frantically looking for her friend. She spots Xavier and glances at Jay, confused as to why he was there. “Ok, so I found some information that can help us. Apparently, they were not killed in the water. Someone killed them and put them in the water. Which is messed up but we need to know how they died and who killed them, Xavier.” Says Natasha “How do you know this?” asked Xavier “The investigators were here while I was in the office doing my duties as a teacher's assistant and I seen the report.” replies Natasha “Ok, and how exactly do you plan on finding that out.” Xavier asks Natasha, “We have to start asking questions.” “We need to question the friends of the victims to see if they have any idea why someone will kill them and see if they are connected.” Says Natasha. “I can help with that” “You know I like to conversate.” Says Jay “OH we know” whispers Xavier.
Jay opens his screen and goes on to insta tube where he starts to snoop around Emily page. She always posted her friends and family, so it was quite easy to reach out to close ones. Jay sent them a message asking to conversate with them about Emily and get down to the possibilities of what could happen.
“Ok, so I texted Emily friends who attend this school, and her brother they haven’t respond so I will let you know how that goes.” Jays informed them. “Ok I think tomorrow morning we should visit the site where they found the body maybe we will find a clue there?” Natasha says excitedly
“How exactly are we going to find a clue in the water?” replies Xavier
Natasha gives a stare indicating they go and dive into the water.
“Absolutely not, we are not getting into that dirty water Natasha what is wrong with you??” replies Xavier
“Xavier why??” Natasha whines “I really need to find some type of clue please Xavier”
He sighs “I DONT EVEN KNOW HOW TO SWIM!” exclaims Xavier
“I was on the swim team for 3 years, I can help” Jays says joyfully
“Ok great! Xavier you can be on the lookout while Jay and I go dive into Atlantis” Natasha says playfully.
It was Saturday morning and Natasha, Xavier, and Jay were on the way to the dormitories where Emily body was found. Officer Mendez cranked up the speed boat, “What are you guys up to?” “Uh we are just heading out to Bayview just to meet up with some friends.” responds Natasha
Natasha could not tell Mendez about their plans. It was forbidden for students to be in the water. The waters contained sea creatures such as alligators and eels. If you were found in the water, you would be expelled. Officer Mendez arrived at the dorms, and Jay, Xavier, and Natasha stepped off waiting for Mendez to speed off.
Jay removes his blue backpack off his shoulders and opens it taking out 2 masks, snorkels, goggles, flashlights, and fins. “Are you serious?’ Asks Xavier, “You bought diver equipment?” “Jesus Jay, did you buy a submarine and gas tanks as well.” Says Xavier sarcastically. Natasha rolls her eyes “How do you expect me and Jay to find things in the water without the proper equipment?” “Thank God, Jay is experienced in swimming.” Natasha says as she smiles at Jay.
As Natasha and Jay put their gear on, Jay hands Xavier on his phone. “Yo, can you watch to see if any of Emilys family members or friends reached out?” “Yeah, sure I guess” replies Xavier. “Ok we are about to go under” says Natasha, “please make sure no one comes near here” “Ok, what do I do if someone does come near here?” says Xavier “ I don’t know distract them, or make a signaling sound I don't know” Natahsa replies aggravated
“How am I supposed to make a signaling sound if you guys are underwater? You wouldn't be able to he-” “FOR GODS SAKE Xavier just keep them distracted ok. Jay lets go.” Natasha replies angrily.
They entered the water with their flashlights; the water was dirty. There were all types of trash and debris in the water. The lower part of the dormitory was empty and glass broke in. Turtles and fish swam past Natasha and Jay. They swam for 10 minutes; Jay clueless on what to look for. It was hard to look for a clue when everything under the water looked like a clue. Metal scraps, car parts, trash, and ropes were all abandoned.
Meanwhile, Jay’s phone gave off a notification. One of Emilys friend responded asking to meet up at the library later that day. Xavier liked the text and arranged to meet with her at 2pm. Amid him texting Jay popped out of the water and a minute after so did Natasha.
“Did you guys find anything?” asked Xavier
“If you consider turtles and fish as clues then yeah.” replies Jay as he climbs on to the wooden plank
“No, we haven’t found anything. Guys, this is pointless. I feel like we are wasting time here we haven’t found anything.” whines Natasha as she takes off her equipment
“I don’t think we will find anything in the water. I mean it wouldn’t make sense there is too much debris and trash in the water and even if there were clues how can we be sure it is the murder weapon if we don't know how Emily died?” says Jay We can start off by talking to Emily’s friend, she wants to meet at the library at 2.” replies Xavier
Natasha finds a boat, so they don’t raise suspicion considering her and Jay are both drenched in water. They put their belongings in the boat and row it towards the dorm so they can change their clothes. Xavier and Jay stay on the boat while Natasha head back to the dorm to change. Jay however decides to remove his wet shirt and wet trunks.
“Dude, are you serious? You couldn’t do this in your dorm” exclaimed Xavier “Just chill, we are men ok just let me do my thing.” Jay responded
Xavier huffed and shook his head in disbelief. He looked to the right where Officer Mendez caught his attention. Officer Mendez was on a wooden plank walking towards the library. However, he looked suspicious, looking around as if he didn’t want anyone to see him entering. Xavier thought it was weird, but his thoughts were quickly cut off when Natasha came back.
“Hey, you, ok?” asked Natasha
Xavier nodded his head and said, “there’s just a lot of weird stuff going on.” as the boat headed towards the library.
They entered the library, Jays' phone had Emily's picture; they were looking around trying to match faces to the picture. They finally found Emily friend. However, she looked paranoid and scared.
“Hey, I’m Jay, we texted on Insta tube.” He reaches out his hand to shake her.
“The name is Amy; look, I can't really talk to you guys.” She says as she gets up and starts to look around frantically. “I have to go” as she tried to push through Natasha and Xavier, Natasha aggressively pulls Amy’s arm. “Look I don’t know what is going on here, but you NEED to help us, help YOUR friend.” “Do you not want to know who did this to her?” asked Natasha angrily
Amy stopped in her tracks; she was wearing a black jacket with a hoodie over her head. Her skin was pale and eyes were red like she had been crying. “Listen, I was warned ok I can’t tell anyone anything ok all I know was my friend Emily was supposed to meet with a security guard the night she went missing I have to go.” She ran off; Natasha, Xavier, and Jay were in disbelief.
“Ok, that was very weird” Xavier states “Meet up with a security guard? Why would Emily meet up with a security guard?” Natasha says confused “Oh my gosh! Officer Mendez he was in here, but he was looking all suspicious and stuff.” Xavier says eagerly “What?! No not officer Mendez he is a good guy; she was probably just lost or something and she became someone victim.” Natasha says as she defends Mendez. “Guys, I think we need to regroup. We have details all over the place.” Jay states "Jay is right.” “We know Emily was going to see a security guard, maybe the others were too! I think we need to split up to make things more efficient and easier.” Natasha replies “Xavier, you go and find Myle friends while Jay you go and find Joey's friends then y'all will meet up at my dorm and discuss what we found.” demanded Natasha
Five hours later, Jay and Xavier both met up with the victim's friends, and both had a similar story. They were going to meet up with a security guard. Natasha, on the other hand, was trying to figure out which security guard they were meeting with. She went to her friend Officer Mendez to see if he had heard anything. It was getting late Mendez was parking his speed boat near the dock where the rest of the speed boats were. “Hey, Officer Mendez can I speak with you right quick?” asks Natasha “ Yea what's up” replied Officer Mendez “ Apparently, Emily and the rest of the victims were meeting up with a security guard the day they went missing or probably when they were killed, anyways have you heard anything from the security guards?” asked Natasha “Um...you are quite interested in the case, are you? Isn’t this the job of detectives? Natasha, I hope you haven’t involved yourself in anything dangerous.” Mendez warned “No, No I just wanted to find what happened to them.” Natasha sat down on the wooden plank. “I just wanted to make sure they found who killed them. I know how it feels to not have anyone find justice for the dead. I know the detectives are on it, but it doesn’t seem urgent. I guess I just wanted to know and bring justice to the family.” Natasha said as she let out a deep breath.
“Well, I heard that they were strangled with a cord and thrown in the water.” Mendez stated
Natasha looked up. “How, how do you know this?” Natasha said concerned. She looked at Mendez, trying to figure out how did he knew about the cause of deaths when the police hadn’t released anything to the public.
“OH, um I overheard security guards talking, talking about it.” Mendez responded as he rocked back and forth
He was red in the face and started to stutter. There were a long pause and awkward silence between the two while they just stared at each other.
“I don’t understand why a security guard strangles them and throws them in the water? What have they done?” questioned Natasha as she sat up and started pacing back and forth
“Probably because the security guard felt unappreciated.” stated Mendez
Natasha stopped in her tracks. “What?” “Are you trying to victim blame?” “And how do you know this?” Natasha says
“Officer Mendez, you know an awful lot for someone who doesn’t know a lot.” Natasha says while backing up
There was a long pause between the two. Natasha was scared, her eyebrows furrowed, and her hands were shaking. She concluded that it was Officer Mendez who murdered the students. She couldn’t believe it, she thought he was a good person, but I guess looks can be deceiving and personality can be fake.
Natasha began to run; she ran as fast as her little legs could allow her to. *BOW BOW*
Natasha was on the floor of the wooden plank. It was quiet all she could hear was the water flowing underneath the wooden plank. While its mildew smell infiltrates her nose. Tears filled her eyes and she started to feel pain. She was shot. Officer Mendez shot her; blood trickled from the back and stained the wooden plank. Natasha was short of breath, “Help! Help!” Natasha said with a hoarse voice.
Her eyelids were blinking; they were starting to become very heavy. Her eyelids closed.
“NATASHA”! NATASHA!” “HELP!”
“NOOO Natasha’s dead”
Sweetwater, Miami, the city that houses Florida International University and the students with it. College life is different; the city is different. There aren’t roads, cars, buses, or trains anymore. Instead, boats and kayaks and 8feet of water replace what was. The dorms top floors were only available and reserved for lower class men. The rest of upper-class men had to rely on off campus housing. This was difficult because the apartment buildings were limited due to half of it being submerged in water. They use Pitbull stadium as their temporary homes. They have house boats where the paint is a dull, dirty, blue color. The paint on the buildings was dull and peeling. For many years, Miami has been dealing with constant flooding that has submerged Miami Dade County in a sea level rise of 8. For years, warnings were issued, and strategies were put out. Yet, Miami is currently in the situation it is now.
Natasha woke up at 9:30am to prepare for her 11:00am class. Natasha always woke up 2 hours earlier to prepare herself. She did not like the feeling of being rushed, and her mother instilled in her the importance of looking her best. Natasha Brown is 19 years old who majors in psychology. She has dreams and ambitions to become a psychologist. Natasha grew up in North Miami with her mother and older sister. She is the first to attend college; her mother never had the money or opportunity to attend college. Her being the first meant so much to her and drove her ambition to be the best.
Natasha stepped out of the shower and washed her face at the sink, starting her skincare. “Hey Alexa, play “Tyrone” by Erykah Badu. The song fills the little restroom of her dorm. Natasha hums the song while applying moisturizer to her dark and vibrant skin. In the middle of her mini concert, she gets a face screen from Xavier. Natasha huffed and rolled her eyes, “what now?”. “Hello?” as she continues to apply her sunscreen. “What’s up Natasha, what are you doing?” replied Xavier “Nothing, just doing my skincare and I was having a mini concert until YOU interrupted.” Said Natasha playfully *Xavier laughs* “My bad, I just wanted to call you to ask about the news this morning.” replies Xavier “What news?” said Natasha concerned “You didn’t hear” said Xavier, “They found a dead body near Bayview Student housing.”
“WHAT?” “Are you serious? Who died?” asked Natasha “It was a student named Emily Lin.” stated Xavier “Oh my gosh. How is this possible? How did she die? Did they find a suspect? Oh my gosh, is there a certain demographic they are targeting? Xavier are they-” “Natasha calm down!” “Stop freaking out!” exclaimed Xavier.
Natasha tends to freak out at things when she doesn’t have the answers. Especially when it comes to murder.
“I'm sorry” says Natasha, “You know how I get when I freak out.” “Yeah. I know” says Xavier
Xavier and Natasha have been best friends for over 10 years. They did everything together. Xavier was also from North Miami, where he grew up with his dad and younger sister. His mother died from cancer when he was only 8 years old. Ever since her death he had dreams of becoming an oncology nurse.
Natahsa hangs up the call from Xavier. Her mind started to ask questions. Who could kill a person? And why on campus? This made her mind reach a very sad memory. The death of her sister Naomie. Naomie was 16 years old when she was found flat face in a ditch. That night was the worst for Natasha and her mother. Knowing her only sister was murdered and to make matters worse, the detectives rarely cared to find out who did this to her.
In the midst of her reminiscing, her phone started to ring. She looked at the time it was 10:30. “Oh crap!” Say Natasha. She hurries and gets her items and heads out the door. She walks out on to the wooden plank where she sees the cluster of speed boats with the words FIU transport marked across them.
She hops in and greets officer Mendez.” Where you headed to?” asks Officer Mendez, “Math building, I have statistics today,” said Natasha “Alrighty”, Mendez starts the boat. “Officer Mendez, what happened this morning?” “Is it true they found a dead body” asks Natasha concerned, “Yes, unfortunately. It’s a little sad you know, who would do such a thing?” Mendez replied as he looked at Natasha through his little rearview mirror. There was a little silence as Natasha watched as the palm trees and half of the buildings passed by.
Officer Mendez and Natasha have a good relationship with one another. Mendez was a huge help with Natasha on her first day on campus. She was lost; she did not know where her dorm was or the library or even her class! Mendez found her wandering like a little lost puppy and gave Natasha her own personal tour of the school. Ever since, they have been the best buddies. He ensures she makes it to her dorm safely and always looks out for her if she needs any help.
As they approached the math building, a large group of students seemed to be blocking the entrance looking over the wooden plank they stood on. Silence filled the air. Natasha gets off the boat and joins the crowd. Two bodies were being taken out of the water. Her heart starts to beat, and she becomes short of breath. Her anxiety started to consume her. Flashbacks of the night her mother received the call that her sister was murdered flooded her mind. Natasha quickly pushed through the crowd and into the math building where she sat down to catch her breath. Two more bodies? Natasha could not believe it. A stray of murders of college students. Natasha blood begins to boil. She couldn’t let this be overlooked, she needed to know if students' safety were prioritized and if they were going to do everything they could to find who did this.
Natasha skips statistics and texts Xavier and her friends to meet her at the cafe. Xavier joins the booth, and he can see the state of fear on her face. He was about to say something until a group of girls interrupted him. “Hey Natasha and Xavier! I haven’t seen y’all in a long time. Is everything fine? We got your text.” Lily says as she plops her backpack next to Xavier, forcing him to scoot over. Lily and Marie were both 20-year-old sophomores. Lily is currently majoring in art history and Marie is majoring in biochemistry. They were both Natasha and Xavier first friends when they came on campus.
“Where is Jay?” asked Natasha while scooting over, allowing Marie to sit next to her. “I don’t know, I texted him, but he did not respond.” replied Marie. “Hey, what was so urgent you wanted us all here?” asked Lily. “You know the bodies that were found on campus? I was thinking maybe we should help the detectives solve the murder or maybe even-” Natasha was cut off by Lily. “Wait, why would we help the detectives? Isn’t that their jobs?” Lily said as she looked around the table with Marie nodding along. Natasha looked shocked. “Well, yeah but I think it would show them that the students really value their safety and to solve this as soon as possible” Natasha responded nervously “ I’m pretty sure they are under a lot of pressure already and I don’t think it’s necessary to help, I mean what can we really do that they can’t? Replied Marie
Natasha heart sank. She really believed her friends would support her. That's the struggle of college life. Having friends but not having their support. She slouched and let out a quiet low “Never mind”. “I’ll help you” says Xavier after a long awkward silence. Natasha face lit up. One thing she can always do is count on her best friend. “Thank you” she whispered to Xavier.
A week has passed, and both Natasha and Xavier have only figured out the victims' names. Which was public information by the way. “Natasha, we have been looking for a week and all we know is that their names were Myle Dell and Joey Miers.” says Xavier exhausted. Natasha paces back and forth with her I screen listening to the video of the police officer talking to the news about the incident. This was her 5th time watching desperately looking for a clue. “If we want to find a clue, why don’t we just go and ask the detectives?” asks Xavier. Natasha turns her head and gives a mean glare. “Never mind” Xavier puts his head down hoping Natasha looks away. Natasha glances at the clock and sees it is time for her to get to chemistry. She tells Xavier she would meet him after class in the cafe where they will continue their “ongoing” investigation and eat dinner.
Xavier arrives at the cafe where he grabs two slices of pizza with a Gatorade. He sits and scrolls on insta tube on his screen. “Yo! Xavier is that you?” Xavier looks up and to his surprise he sees Jay. He lets out a sigh. Jay is the type of person you stay away from if you want to have a quiet night. Lucky for Xavier, he gets to have a high-end energized night with Jay. “What up Jay?” he says as he reaches his hand out. They dab each other up, and Jay takes a seat right across from Xavier. For the next 30 minutes, Jay yaps and yaps while stuffing pizza and all types of food in his mouth. Xavier was disgusted he tries to dodge food particles from Jays mouth. To Xavier's rescue, Natasha walks through the door frantically looking for her friend. She spots Xavier and glances at Jay, confused as to why he was there. “Ok, so I found some information that can help us. Apparently, they were not killed in the water. Someone killed them and put them in the water. Which is messed up but we need to know how they died and who killed them, Xavier.” Says Natasha “How do you know this?” asked Xavier “The investigators were here while I was in the office doing my duties as a teacher's assistant and I seen the report.” replies Natasha “Ok, and how exactly do you plan on finding that out.” Xavier asks Natasha, “We have to start asking questions.” “We need to question the friends of the victims to see if they have any idea why someone will kill them and see if they are connected.” Says Natasha. “I can help with that” “You know I like to conversate.” Says Jay “OH we know” whispers Xavier.
Jay opens his screen and goes on to insta tube where he starts to snoop around Emily page. She always posted her friends and family, so it was quite easy to reach out to close ones. Jay sent them a message asking to conversate with them about Emily and get down to the possibilities of what could happen.
“Ok, so I texted Emily friends who attend this school, and her brother they haven’t respond so I will let you know how that goes.” Jays informed them. “Ok I think tomorrow morning we should visit the site where they found the body maybe we will find a clue there?” Natasha says excitedly
“How exactly are we going to find a clue in the water?” replies Xavier
Natasha gives a stare indicating they go and dive into the water.
“Absolutely not, we are not getting into that dirty water Natasha what is wrong with you??” replies Xavier
“Xavier why??” Natasha whines “I really need to find some type of clue please Xavier”
He sighs “I DONT EVEN KNOW HOW TO SWIM!” exclaims Xavier
“I was on the swim team for 3 years, I can help” Jays says joyfully
“Ok great! Xavier you can be on the lookout while Jay and I go dive into Atlantis” Natasha says playfully.
It was Saturday morning and Natasha, Xavier, and Jay were on the way to the dormitories where Emily body was found. Officer Mendez cranked up the speed boat, “What are you guys up to?” “Uh we are just heading out to Bayview just to meet up with some friends.” responds Natasha
Natasha could not tell Mendez about their plans. It was forbidden for students to be in the water. The waters contained sea creatures such as alligators and eels. If you were found in the water, you would be expelled. Officer Mendez arrived at the dorms, and Jay, Xavier, and Natasha stepped off waiting for Mendez to speed off.
Jay removes his blue backpack off his shoulders and opens it taking out 2 masks, snorkels, goggles, flashlights, and fins. “Are you serious?’ Asks Xavier, “You bought diver equipment?” “Jesus Jay, did you buy a submarine and gas tanks as well.” Says Xavier sarcastically. Natasha rolls her eyes “How do you expect me and Jay to find things in the water without the proper equipment?” “Thank God, Jay is experienced in swimming.” Natasha says as she smiles at Jay.
As Natasha and Jay put their gear on, Jay hands Xavier on his phone. “Yo, can you watch to see if any of Emilys family members or friends reached out?” “Yeah, sure I guess” replies Xavier. “Ok we are about to go under” says Natasha, “please make sure no one comes near here” “Ok, what do I do if someone does come near here?” says Xavier “ I don’t know distract them, or make a signaling sound I don't know” Natahsa replies aggravated
“How am I supposed to make a signaling sound if you guys are underwater? You wouldn't be able to he-” “FOR GODS SAKE Xavier just keep them distracted ok. Jay lets go.” Natasha replies angrily.
They entered the water with their flashlights; the water was dirty. There were all types of trash and debris in the water. The lower part of the dormitory was empty and glass broke in. Turtles and fish swam past Natasha and Jay. They swam for 10 minutes; Jay clueless on what to look for. It was hard to look for a clue when everything under the water looked like a clue. Metal scraps, car parts, trash, and ropes were all abandoned.
Meanwhile, Jay’s phone gave off a notification. One of Emilys friend responded asking to meet up at the library later that day. Xavier liked the text and arranged to meet with her at 2pm. Amid him texting Jay popped out of the water and a minute after so did Natasha.
“Did you guys find anything?” asked Xavier
“If you consider turtles and fish as clues then yeah.” replies Jay as he climbs on to the wooden plank
“No, we haven’t found anything. Guys, this is pointless. I feel like we are wasting time here we haven’t found anything.” whines Natasha as she takes off her equipment
“I don’t think we will find anything in the water. I mean it wouldn’t make sense there is too much debris and trash in the water and even if there were clues how can we be sure it is the murder weapon if we don't know how Emily died?” says Jay We can start off by talking to Emily’s friend, she wants to meet at the library at 2.” replies Xavier
Natasha finds a boat, so they don’t raise suspicion considering her and Jay are both drenched in water. They put their belongings in the boat and row it towards the dorm so they can change their clothes. Xavier and Jay stay on the boat while Natasha head back to the dorm to change. Jay however decides to remove his wet shirt and wet trunks.
“Dude, are you serious? You couldn’t do this in your dorm” exclaimed Xavier “Just chill, we are men ok just let me do my thing.” Jay responded
Xavier huffed and shook his head in disbelief. He looked to the right where Officer Mendez caught his attention. Officer Mendez was on a wooden plank walking towards the library. However, he looked suspicious, looking around as if he didn’t want anyone to see him entering. Xavier thought it was weird, but his thoughts were quickly cut off when Natasha came back.
“Hey, you, ok?” asked Natasha
Xavier nodded his head and said, “there’s just a lot of weird stuff going on.” as the boat headed towards the library.
They entered the library, Jays' phone had Emily's picture; they were looking around trying to match faces to the picture. They finally found Emily friend. However, she looked paranoid and scared.
“Hey, I’m Jay, we texted on Insta tube.” He reaches out his hand to shake her.
“The name is Amy; look, I can't really talk to you guys.” She says as she gets up and starts to look around frantically. “I have to go” as she tried to push through Natasha and Xavier, Natasha aggressively pulls Amy’s arm. “Look I don’t know what is going on here, but you NEED to help us, help YOUR friend.” “Do you not want to know who did this to her?” asked Natasha angrily
Amy stopped in her tracks; she was wearing a black jacket with a hoodie over her head. Her skin was pale and eyes were red like she had been crying. “Listen, I was warned ok I can’t tell anyone anything ok all I know was my friend Emily was supposed to meet with a security guard the night she went missing I have to go.” She ran off; Natasha, Xavier, and Jay were in disbelief.
“Ok, that was very weird” Xavier states “Meet up with a security guard? Why would Emily meet up with a security guard?” Natasha says confused “Oh my gosh! Officer Mendez he was in here, but he was looking all suspicious and stuff.” Xavier says eagerly “What?! No not officer Mendez he is a good guy; she was probably just lost or something and she became someone victim.” Natasha says as she defends Mendez. “Guys, I think we need to regroup. We have details all over the place.” Jay states "Jay is right.” “We know Emily was going to see a security guard, maybe the others were too! I think we need to split up to make things more efficient and easier.” Natasha replies “Xavier, you go and find Myle friends while Jay you go and find Joey's friends then y'all will meet up at my dorm and discuss what we found.” demanded Natasha
Five hours later, Jay and Xavier both met up with the victim's friends, and both had a similar story. They were going to meet up with a security guard. Natasha, on the other hand, was trying to figure out which security guard they were meeting with. She went to her friend Officer Mendez to see if he had heard anything. It was getting late Mendez was parking his speed boat near the dock where the rest of the speed boats were. “Hey, Officer Mendez can I speak with you right quick?” asks Natasha “ Yea what's up” replied Officer Mendez “ Apparently, Emily and the rest of the victims were meeting up with a security guard the day they went missing or probably when they were killed, anyways have you heard anything from the security guards?” asked Natasha “Um...you are quite interested in the case, are you? Isn’t this the job of detectives? Natasha, I hope you haven’t involved yourself in anything dangerous.” Mendez warned “No, No I just wanted to find what happened to them.” Natasha sat down on the wooden plank. “I just wanted to make sure they found who killed them. I know how it feels to not have anyone find justice for the dead. I know the detectives are on it, but it doesn’t seem urgent. I guess I just wanted to know and bring justice to the family.” Natasha said as she let out a deep breath.
“Well, I heard that they were strangled with a cord and thrown in the water.” Mendez stated
Natasha looked up. “How, how do you know this?” Natasha said concerned. She looked at Mendez, trying to figure out how did he knew about the cause of deaths when the police hadn’t released anything to the public.
“OH, um I overheard security guards talking, talking about it.” Mendez responded as he rocked back and forth
He was red in the face and started to stutter. There were a long pause and awkward silence between the two while they just stared at each other.
“I don’t understand why a security guard strangles them and throws them in the water? What have they done?” questioned Natasha as she sat up and started pacing back and forth
“Probably because the security guard felt unappreciated.” stated Mendez
Natasha stopped in her tracks. “What?” “Are you trying to victim blame?” “And how do you know this?” Natasha says
“Officer Mendez, you know an awful lot for someone who doesn’t know a lot.” Natasha says while backing up
There was a long pause between the two. Natasha was scared, her eyebrows furrowed, and her hands were shaking. She concluded that it was Officer Mendez who murdered the students. She couldn’t believe it, she thought he was a good person, but I guess looks can be deceiving and personality can be fake.
Natasha began to run; she ran as fast as her little legs could allow her to. *BOW BOW*
Natasha was on the floor of the wooden plank. It was quiet all she could hear was the water flowing underneath the wooden plank. While its mildew smell infiltrates her nose. Tears filled her eyes and she started to feel pain. She was shot. Officer Mendez shot her; blood trickled from the back and stained the wooden plank. Natasha was short of breath, “Help! Help!” Natasha said with a hoarse voice.
Her eyelids were blinking; they were starting to become very heavy. Her eyelids closed.
“NATASHA”! NATASHA!” “HELP!”
“NOOO Natasha’s dead”
Collection
Citation
Abigail Pierre Louis, “The Water Holds Secrets,” Everything Speaks To Me , accessed September 18, 2026, https://everythingspeakstome.com/items/show/478.