Absentia: The Murder of Nefera

Chapter I: Murder on Kennedy St.

It seemed like a normal day in the sunny city that is Silenda, California. A couple of students had just gotten out of school, it had been what they described as their hardest semester yet at Franklin High. It was their junior year, and finally, spring break was upon them. See, when you're a teenager, everything seems harder than it actually is. And these five teenagers did not think any differently. But it was their own habits, gossip, and secrets that made it hard for them. Though that lesson they would yet have to learn, they always tried to have fun. Which made this spring break all more exciting... They would finally have the chance to have some long-awaited fun.

"I can't believe it is spring break already!" screamed Nefera Fouad excitedly. Nefera is what you would call 'the innocent one'. She is always the first to come running when someone is in need. She got that quality from her father, Amsu, who sadly passed away when she was five years old. She and her mother live alone. That's because her only sister, Cleo, was full of jealousy of the success Nefera had found in her hobby, photography. She is funny, compassionate but most importantly, honest. At least, that's what the others believed of course.

"Honestly, this year has gone by extremely fast" said Jade Evans. Jade could be labeled as 'the creative one'. She just enrolled at Franklin High this year. Her lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer got the best of her. One day, she told her parents she wanted to pursue it, and so she did. Fearless, crazy, and fun are some of her best qualities. It's truly a shame she doesn't have a good relationship with her parents. They are missing out on an incredible daughter.

"Well, thank god, I can't wait till it's all over" said Nora Anderson with a smirk. Nora is a girl with a double life. At home, she acts all innocent and is a true angel. At school, on the other hand, she is who she's supposed to be. A freak who's willing to jump into anything blindly. Though she might not always make smart choices, she is what you would call 'the smart one'. Her family is a mix and match catastrophe, with a step-dad and step-brother who are more conservative than the pope himself. Which can make things difficult at home.

"I don't know what y'all hate about school so much" said Daniel Garcia, the only guy in the group. Truly 'the self-absorbed one'. He loves all of his friends, but he loves himself even more. Daniel struggles with a home-situation he would not wish upon his biggest of enemies, being in the closet. His parents would never accept him for who he is. And his sister, Carmen, he wants to trust, but can't. A dilemma that makes him love every chance of escape he gets, like school.

"Can't wait for tonight ladies, and gentleman..." said Andrea Torres. At last, 'the loyal one'. Andrea is the girl who would back you up no matter what. Daughter of two immigrants, she has always had to care for both her parents and her little sister, Lorena. All the racism she has encountered has given her the thickest skin one could ask for. She wants to do so much with her life. But in her situation, she can't really afford to do much. But that never stops her from partying till 5 a.m. A little party will never kill you, that is her motto.

These five friends had the great idea of having a fun night at Nora's. Her parents and step-brother had left town for some business her step-father had to deal with. When her parents asked her to come, all she had to say was that she had to study, and she had the house all for herself. Lucky her. Our five teens had been looking forward to this night for weeks, so it was no surprise they had planned an entire set of things they would do. The list included watching some movies, playing some games, gossiping, and of course, eating lots and lots of snacks."So, I'll see everyone at eight, right?" Nora asked. They all nodded except Nefera.

"Nef?" asked Andrea. "What's wrong?"

"I can't come, guys, I have this huge paper due tomorrow. I failed Mrs. Nolan's class and she expects me to turn in my paper tomorrow morning" she explained. They all looked sad. They had looked forward to this night for way too long for someone to cancel last-minute. But of course, they understood. They had no other choice. But Nefera normally never failed history, she was great at it. Because of her Egyptian heritage, she always had a huge interest in history. But even the best people make mistakes sometimes.