Electric Storm

Chapter 9.2: The Last Chance

'Alright everyone, our last meeting will be next week where I will announce the new captain. See you then.' Mr Harrington smiles, closing the meeting. 

There's a general murmur of agreement that the new captain will be Liz. She's the obvious choice.

I don't say anything as I pack my things into my bag, too drowned in a feeling of sorrow. I had a day left. Now I have minutes, seconds.

How did I get here so fast? I don't know. I just know it's time for Katherine Carter to say goodbye.

I force a smile to my face. 'Bye Liz, bye Betty.' I call.

They wave, smiling in response.

'Thank you Mr. Harrington.'

'You're welcome Katherine.' He nods.

'Katy? What's happening?' Peter asks concerned.

'Outside.' I whisper.

As usual, the four of us walk out of the school together. I keep up the fake facade of happiness, mainly to convince myself.

'See you later MJ.' I hug her, surprising us both.

'Bye?' She says awkwardly. Eventually she smiles and walks away.

Peter is watching my every move and I'm watching him. Desperate for one last moment.

'Peter, Katy,' Ned starts, oblivious to the pained eye contact between Peter and I, 'I was thinking we could all do something this weekend, to celebrate the end of exams? There's still more Star Wars we haven't watched together and I have a new game...'

Neither of us are paying attention to Ned's rambling. I translate Peter's 'Sure, Ned' as 'I'm going to agree so we can talk about something else.'

'Katy?'

'What?'

'Are you free this weekend?' Ned grins.

A stone drops in my stomach. 'No, sorry.'

'Oh, well, some other time?'

'Some other time.' I repeat. 'Goodbye Ned.' And I hug him too.

'Goodbye Katy.' He beams, happily unaware. 'See you later, Peter.'

My eyes follow Ned, and then waver to Peter. My electricity demands to be heard but I have to keep it silenced.

'You were going to say something earlier.' We both speak at the same time.

'After you.' He says.

I take a breath. My hands shake. This is it. 'Peter, I'm leaving.'

His face drops. 'Oh.'

'I'm coming back to New York, just not to school.' I try to sound enthusiastic. It doesn't work.

'When do you go?'

'Tomorrow.'

He swallows the lump in his throat. 'Why didn't you tell us?'

'I thought I had more time.'

He looks like I've stabbed him again and again.

'Peter, I am coming back. This isn't the end.' I smile, taking his warm hand. 'What were you going to tell me before?' I ask, questioning the look in his eyes. I need to know, before I say what can't be taken back.

Peter's cheeks flush red and he gently drops my hand, his fingers knotting together. 'I wanted to tell you that I... I know that... and I'm... I...' He takes a deep breath, looks at me, and smiles his crooked smile. 'It doesn't matter.'