Rumor Has It

One | Dropped

one | Dropped

It was during homeroom after Christmas break they announced she was dead. As if we didn't know already. Nearly everyone who stayed in West Grove for the holiday knew Ruby Tolken died, whether they were notified by the local news or by concerned friends—they knew.

It most certainly brought a sullen mood over everyone that cared, some went about their day indifferently though. She was found on Christmas morning and by evening every table was silent with grief. Or cluttered around their television seeking more answers about the tragedy.

"My bet is a drug overdose," the person seated in front of me expressed, his shaggy curls dancing as he spoke. "That's why her parents doesn't want anybody to know how she died."

This could have been true but Ruby Tolken was an impeccable student, beyond compare. The whole of West Grove High School knew that and practically why it was so weird with her absence.

"I disagree," another student interjected from next to me. He shook his head, slumping in his chair. "Someone killed her."

The boy in front of me twisted his body in our direction, his name tag read Walter. "Yeah, well the news stated otherwise."

"They could have poisoned her," A brunette named Fiona quipped. "And I'm sure it was the green beans in the cafeteria."

Then a movement from the front of the class had them look up. Reagan Kelts had a sour face as he began to walk in our direction. When he got closer, I noticed how red his face was and the tightness of his fist.

"Can you guys quit it?" He shouted at the three kids around me, his voice rough. "She just died for fucks sake!"

His voice grew a bit high at the end of his sentence as if he was refraining from tears and destruction.

"Reagan!" Mrs Hensel exclaimed. "Please take a breather outside in the hall."

He glared at the three students before snatching his bag and storming out of the classroom. "No more talking from this class," Mrs Hensel demanded.

Walter cursed under his breath, putting his head down. Fiona was really flushed in the face from embarrassment, she probably didn't realise Ruby Tolken's best friend was sitting right up front. Listening to how crude they were being right after her death.

"Can I use the bathroom?" I asked. Mrs Hensel only nodded, bags under her eyes as she turned back to the board.

When I got out of the classroom, Reagan was on the floor sitting with his head down. I sat next to him.

"Reagan?" He didn't look up.

"Fuck off," he mumbled, sounding weaker than his attitude was portraying.

I slipped my backpack off, clutching his hand and ducking so I could see his face. It didn't surprise me when tears were dripping from his face.

I ran a hand over his broad, tense shoulders. "She's in a better place."

I hadn't really known what exactly to say when comforting someone. I just knew he was hurting and it's gonna be okay or it's fine was a hackneyed expression. Truth be told, I wasn't even sure Reagan was going to be okay after this.

He shook in my arms, releasing a soft but at the same time, hard sob. He trembled so violently, almost as if he didn't want to feel this way but had no choice. His tears dampen my uniform sweater, no doubt leaving snort stains as well.

A pang in my own chest sprung tears to my eyes however I blinked them back. There couldn't be any comfort if we were both crying. The pain was still there, just listening to Reagan's attempt to smother his grief into my shoulders.