The most beautiful roses have their cruelest thorn

Showdown Time

Mia Madden. Tuesday, March 5th, 2019, 7:01 AM. Location: School. 10 days before the murder...

It's a brand new day. But, what others just don't know is what else is going on. It should be today, right? I remember I was so fired up to see Mr. Hudson putting them in their place on his birthday. Though, in my eyes, he chose the wrong birthday. Armando did more than Daniel. He just doesn't know everything. The fact that Daniel committed the greater offense remains, and nobody involved can forget. I'm distant.

I can commend the sunny skies for not making my emotional state continuously deplorable. It barely snowed yesterday, to be honest. It didn't snow as much as predicted. The main entrance of the school had some slushy, uncleaned gloss, but I can manage.

"See you later." My dad called out seemingly in a bad mood, based on his tone. We had arrived in front of the school. There was a pause as my mind went blank. Though, I did feel relaxed, and not as jumpy.

"Yeah, bye..." I replied softly. I carefully got out of the car and managed my way through the sugar glaze mixed with inconceivable footprints. Here we are again, a temporary home or hellhole. I only have three more months until I'll graduate. But, it feels like I've been here for all eternity like there's no end in sight. I've been blinded so much, but all I can do is wait here. This has only just begun. I walked into the school. Not a soul was in the hallways. I'm in the library.

In my usual seat, by myself, with the group of scattered chairs empty and tranquil. I look to my left. A few younger kids are completing unfinished homework, and one or two of them are secretly playing video games when it's not allowed. I know one of those kids. I think the boy sitting at the very end, his name is Alex. He's in the special education class. But, he's a nice kid. But, let them be. They shouldn't be stressed. They should live their best lives and not get themselves into what I've never intended to transpire. They say people change, you know. But, in how many scenarios do you know that statement is true?

Once they consent to the dark side, traveling to the darker areas, it's too late. You can never help somebody if they don't want you to. You could want your life to help them stay on the right path. But, in their home life and all the wrong things children, including myself, are exposed to nowadays, it shapes them. It's their true colors. My future generations, my beautiful, young-minded, growing, innocent children, I wish you the best for everyone around you and yourself.

Unanticipated, after being lost in my mind, Armando shows up. Confused as to why he's here so early, I check the time...7:22. I see. Why did he come so early? My dad dropped me off early, so he couldn't drop me off later since he's coming to school, too.

Hmm, Armando... I haven't forgotten what you said. Though, he hasn't said anything to me. I'm still non-existent when he sees me in person. But, whenever he wants me, I'm the center of attention. I hate the fact he's...using me. Suddenly, Sophia walks in. She sat down next to me.

"We gotta talk," I whispered. I think I should text her instead. It'll be better that way.

M: The meeting is today.

S: What time?

M: Sometime first period.

S: Is your mom attending?

M: No, my dad.

We looked at each other at the same time. Her expression had fear and disgust. I can see the worry in her eyes. We both knew what that meant. Sophia looked back down at her phone.

S: Did you see Daniel's social media story?

M: No, what happened?

S: He sent a pic of him having fun at some amusement park.