Safe

Chapter 8

It's been 1 month since Zara went missing and I made it my mission to find her. We only have 1 week and 4 days left of Camp before we all go home. In the last month, a lot and nothing has happened. The police came, questioned us all, and left. They still have no idea where Zara and Cameron are or who kidnapped them. I haven't got anywhere in my own investigation either. Edgar has disappeared off the face of the earth, I haven't seen him since before Zara went missing. Daria, however, has become like a mother to all of us. For me, it included being there whenever I was upset or when there was a fight between Clover and me. Or an argument between Stephen and me. That happened a lot. They still hate me, nothing has changed there.

Heading off to breakfast I noticed that Clover and Stephen were grinning at me, a cruel wicked glint in their eyes. Why does that instill a bad feeling in my gut? Violet was avoiding my eye contact and it sent shivers down my spine. What had they done?

"Why are you guys smiling?" I asked.

"No reason," they grinned.

Distracting me, Daria entered. A grave look on her face as she looked straight at me. She sat down slowly next to me.

"Gracie, I just received a letter from your mother. She gave strict instructions to give this to you. I'm sorry," Daria mumbled, handing me a letter.

 I knew it was bad; why else would Daria say sorry or Mum contact me? Mum has never once sent me a letter. 

'Dear Gracelyn,

Stephen has written to me. He informed me that he is breaking off the engagement. How dare you ruin this? You have ruined our family's reputation. I asked one thing of you, for you to marry Stephen and unite the 2 most powerful Elite families. Now I may not get re-elected for president and we can not have that. You are to get on your knees and beg for Stephen's forgiveness. I have no idea what you did to offend him but fix it.

Never mind, you're not good enough to do that.

Gracelyn, you are now disowned. Your name has been transferred and you are now a forgotten. Where you belong.

- The President'

Tears flowed down my face as I re-read the letter over and over. That's why Stephen and Clover are grinning like Cheshire cats. I almost collapsed, they just took everything from me. Sending them a harsh glare I left the hall at a fast pace. My Mum disowned me. I can't believe her. She's my Mum, she's supposed to love me. I wish Dad would have objected but he isn't strong enough, dead scared of Mum he is.

"Oh Gracelyn, I heard you were disowned. No longer an Elite, are you?" Clover called, coming towards me.

I stopped and turned around to see the 3 people who have made my life a living hell coming towards me. Clover stood in the middle with her girlfriend on one side and Stephen on the other. Clover and Violet are still going strong, they are so in love. Over the last month, Clover has turned into a complete bully except when she's around Violet. Then she's just a little mean.

"Just leave me alone," I sighed in exhaustion, I'm so sick of their bullying.

"No, we want to hear the details," Stephen said gleefully.

"Guys, maybe we should leave," Violet mumbled.

"Shush baby, this is important," Clover replied.

Violet backed down and I was grateful that she tried. Or at least I tried to be.

"Just leave me alone," I repeated.

"No, it's your fault Zara is missing. How does it feel to be a victim of karma?" Clover taunted.

"How is it my fault?" I screamed, finally snapping.

"You were the last one to see her. You were the last one to see my best friend," Clover roared.

"I know she was your best friend! Did you ever think about how I feel? I was ecstatic to come to this camp. My fiancé was going to be there and maybe he'd finally love me back like I'd been loving him since we were kids. Then I got here and I found out that Stephen had fallen in love with a girl he'd never even met. Whereas he'd known me forever and still didn't love me. I tried to forget about it and hang out with you and Violet, I thought that maybe I'd have real friends but then you both turned on me. You and Stephen went as far as to get me disowned from my family. Though I wasn't surprised, who would want to be engaged to me? You know how much this camp has messed me up. I was already broken and instead of this camp fixing it, I am a thousand times more damaged. Shit, do you realize what you've done? I have only known you for a little over a month and you have completely shattered me," I cried, pouring my heart out.

I was breathing frantically, my eyes wild and bloodshot. Daria had joined us and was looking at me concerned. Clover looked to be in shock and Stephen was looking at me, guilt covered his features. Violet was looking down in shame and to my shock, she was crying.

Though everyone seemed to snap out of it when Clover sneered, "You think we aren't all broken?"

"Stop being an attention seeker," Stephen snapped. 

With that comment, she grabbed Violet's hand and walked away. Daria rushed over to me and held me as I collapsed in her arms, forcing myself to pass out.

I woke up with a scratchy throat and feeling extremely disoriented. Sitting next to me was Violet, peacefully sleeping. I wonder why she's here. I looked around and noticed I wasn't in my room. I shook her slowly and she bolted up.

"Hi," I croaked.

"Hey, I'm glad you're awake. How are you feeling?" Violet asked softly.

"Weird. How long was I out for?"

"6 days, well it's been 6 days since you were you. Daria had to keep sedating you because you wouldn't stop crying every time you woke up. It was scary. She's considering just canceling this program but I convinced her to let us finish. There are only 5 days left anyway," Violet told me.

"Ok," I processed.

"Yeah," Violet mumbled awkwardly.

"Why are you here?" I blurted out.

"Because I am your friend. I don't care what Clover and Stephen say anymore. You are my friend and you need me. Plus, you'll need someone to stay with, won't you?"

"Really?"

"Yes," Violet confirmed.

I smiled gratefully and hugged her tightly. Maybe everything would be ok. She left to get me a cup of water and I looked around. I got up slowly and looked out of the window. I was in another cabin, close to my old one but not too close. Violet came back and I gulped down the water; sighing as the cold liquid soothed my throat.

"I'm going to breakfast. Do you want to come?" Violet asked.

"No, I'm just not ready yet," I replied.

"Ok, I'll be back later to check on you," Violet said and left again.

Collapsing back on my bed I fell asleep again. Needing to block out the real world for a while more.