Flooded Waters

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑

Mabel took one final look in the mirror, making sure her dark circles were hidden under the layers of foundation she had just applied. The disappearance of Noah had caused her to go through several all-nighters in a row and the consequences were easily noticeable. Her parents were in the same state as her but obviously, it was understandable. On the other hand, she felt guilty and responsible for what had happened. Why did it not seem obvious to her that something was wrong?

The doorbell rang and she heard her father open the door. She could recognize Cedric's voice in the distance, so she hurried up.

"Mabel, Cedric is here!" her father called.

"I'm coming, Dad!" she answered.

Her mother was still in bed, she would probably be laying there until the end of the day, only leaving it to eat or use the restroom. Mabel hoped she would not sink, once again, in a depression.

She hurried through her room, looking for her science textbook, which she quickly threw in her bag before running down the stairs. Both her father and Cedric were staring at her, eyes wide open, as she shyly smiled out of breath. She kissed her father on the cheek and was about to leave the house when her father grabbed her by the wrist.

"Here's your lunch and I just put an extra sandwich for you since you didn't eat breakfast. Please be careful, Mae, and take care of her, Cedric."

"Don't worry, sir, I will. Have a great day! Let's go, Mae."

He grabbed her hand and they headed towards school. Mabel did not say a word and Cedric remained silent but it was not awkward, it felt calming and reassuring.

~

As soon as they stepped in the building, they noticed that everyone looked at their phones, either laughing with their friends or eyes wide open in surprise. Quickly, they started noticing Mabel and Cedric's presence and some looked down, afraid to make contact, while others looked at them in disgust. Well, not Cedric but Mabel. Even he turned around to face her in confusion.

"Why is everyone staring at us?" she wondered, looking at Cedric.

"I don't know, it's weird."

Fortunately, Tara and her minions headed towards them. Before either Cedric or Mabel could say anything, they were pushed to an empty corridor.

"What is wrong with you?" Tara snapped.

Mabel stared at her blankly.

"Tara, we have no idea what you're talking about," Cedric replied.

"What do you mean? Haven't you checked your phones this morning?"

"Mine did not have any battery."

"And mine was turned off all night," Mabel replied.

"I see," Tara said, rolling her eyes. "Well you should consider checking Twitter soon, I think you'll find some interesting things going on there. I don't think it's up to me to tell you so I'll let you do it."

Suddenly, the attention of all students was drawn as a loud sound could be heard throughout the building. The bell. Mabel was saved by the bell.

"What do you have first?" she questioned.

"Chemistry and you?"

"English. I guess I'll have to face everyone alone then," she sighed. "See you later, Ced."

She watched him leave, not turning around once. The insistent looks of students made her feel uncomfortable and awkward but she kept her head up and confidently headed towards her classroom. As soon as she stepped in the small room, all eyes were set on her, some quickly avoiding hers while others stared at her with no shame. Her eyes began to water but she took a deep breath in and exhaled through her mouth.