The Academy

Part One: Chapter Ten

That day, I cried for at least an hour into Lacey's arms. Liz didn't show up to the room again until that night, and it went without being said that I didn't want to talk about it. So, she and Camilla stopped bugging me, though I'm positive it's all they see when they look at me.

I don't know if they know what actually happened. It's pretty obvious, but I haven't talked about it enough for them to be one-hundred percent sure. I think it's good they stay in the dark, what happened isn't something I want anyone to know.

The days of the following week blur together, mostly of me avoiding Skipton at all costs. I can't focus in class, but on the physical aspect of things, I'm still improving. Working out is the only way to clear my mind these days, so I find myself pushing harder and harder, just for an escape from my own mind. It's probably not healthy, I don't have an appetite so I'm not eating as much.

Lacey said not to bottle everything up, but it seems that tactic is working pretty well for me. After that first night, I pulled myself together and tried to move on. Tried to not think about it. Tried to put it all behind me.

Currently, I'm sitting in my quiet apartment, just taking in the warm sunlight seeping in through the windows. It's Saturday, Luna is happily dozing in my lap, until there's a knock at the door. I jump, my heart rate skyrocketing. Luna goes over to sniff around the door, and her tail starts flying wildly around. That's a good sign. I get up onto my shaking legs and peek through the peephole, and all the fear I had moments ago melts away. 

I nearly pull the door off its hinges I open it so fast, and literally throw myself at my older sister. She stumbles back in surprise but quickly regains balance reciprocates my tight embrace. Luna escapes my room, barking and dancing all around us.

I squeeze her tightly, feeling her warm skin and breathing in her musty scent. I can feel her strong arms around me, and it's more comforting than anything has been in the past few weeks. She's still in uniform, with a duffel bag slung over her shoulder that hits the ground with a thud.

"Amelia," I whisper her name. 

"Hi."

Before I know it, tears are slowly making their way down my cheeks and I pull back from the hug to look Amelia in the eye. Both of us are smiling, and she's tearing up as well.

"I forgot you were coming home today," I admit as she kneels to give Luna some attention.

"I'm offended!" She laughs.

"I had a lot going on..." I defend myself, my smile fading at the thought.

My sister, who can read me like a book instantly notices something's up. "What happened?"

My heart skips a beat and suddenly I can't look at her. "Come inside." The mood thickens instantly as she grabs her bag and makes her way into the apartment, Luna running laps around her. "Um, do you want something to eat or drink?"

"Don't change the subject," She says softly. I watch as Amelia drops her duffel bag on the floor again, then we enter the kitchen where she leans against the counter and I stand in front of her like a child. I can feel her eyes on me, but I can't look at her.  After a few minutes of silence, she sighs. "I've never seen you like this before, Olivia. What happened?"

"I walked in on Riley cheating on me. At the academy." I say. Not a lie, just...withholding some information. Maybe I can get by on just telling her that.

"Oh my god, that bitch!" Amelia exclaims, immediately closing the space between us and hugging me again. "I'll kill her! Are you okay? God, I'm so sorry you had to see that."

"I'm...not really okay, no. She's been avoiding me. I kind of lost my shit."

"You had every damn right to lose your shit." She assures me, stepping back. I finally manage to lift my chin to see her. Really see her.