Belvedere Academy

CHANGE

I make my way to the big black gate of the Shaw Mansion. I've been here a billion times, most of those times I was nervous and excited at the same time. Nervous cause I might bump into my girlfriend's racist, homophobic and fatphobic parents and excited cause I was going to see my girlfriend. It didn't matter what we were doing, I was always happy with her. Now it just gives me chills. Like I was going to a house haunted by a weeping ghost.

I waved at the security camera and the gate opened automatically. I walked down the driveway and saw a middle aged woman in a maid uniform waiting for me at the front door.

"You're late."

"I'm sorry Charlie. I had to go say goodbye to her."

She pulls me into a tight hug and whispers in my ear.

"I understand my sweet girl. Losing someone you love in such a way is a difficult thing."

She pulls back and wipes away her tears. Charlie was the first person to find out about me and Molly and she was very supportive. She helped me sneak into the house when Molly's parents were out or helped Molly sneak out and covered for us and encouraged us. She was there for us when it seemed like everyone was against our relationship. She's like a second mum to me and Molly.

Charlie leads me to Molly's room, she pulls out a key from her pocket and unlocks the door.

"You have ten minutes. Take what you need. Nothing too obvious."

"Thank you, Charlie."

"No need for thanks. You know how much I loved you two. Your love was special. They had no right to do what they did."

She takes my hand and squeezes gently before walking out. I take a deep breath and take it all in. Molly's scent is everywhere. How long has it been since we were here together? How long has it been since we sat on the couch by the window and read a book together. Her laughing as she sat on my lap and complained about how I hated the ending of some random novel that she loved.

How long has it been since we lay on the bed together just staring at each other, trying to figure out how we came to care for each other so deeply in such a short time. It was like we had known each other our whole lives. How long since I savored the feel of her skin on my lips. The way she reacted to my every touch, the way she......

I close my eyes at the memories. My heart feels like it's being suffocated. I lay on her bed and hug her favorite pillow, it still smells like her, tropical flowers with a hint of vanilla.

As I force back tears, I look up at the ceiling and just stare at it for a minute before I find myself standing on the bed and reach up to trace the ceiling with my hands, looking for the small secret door Molly made. I find it and push it open. I have to get on my tip toes to stick my hand in and pull out the little blue leather book hidden inside.

I wipe the dust off Molly's journal. It's got a little gold lock on it. I pull out the little gold key hanging around my neck. The last present she ever gave me. I unlock the book and a folded piece of paper falls out, I pick it up slowly. I can see the delicate outlines of words in Molly's handwriting.

"Dear Emma, it's been ages since we last spoke........."

I read the letter silently, imagining her voice as I read it. The tears that I've been holding back finally falling down my cheeks. I skim through the journal. Every entry is like a letter written to me. From the little snippets I get from each page, I know there's more to the story than what we've been told. And I need to go to Belvedere and learn the truth.

I get off the bed and stand in front of the mirror right next to her closet. I see a chubby girl with short curly black hair, chocolate brown skin, light brown eyes, chubby cheeks, double chin, baggy clothes. I would look so out of place at Belvedere. And being an outcast would only make it harder for me to learn anything of importance.

If I wanted to find out what happened, I needed to fit in. That means I need to look like them, act like them, be like them. I need to become perfect, just like Molly was. And there's only one person I know who can help me accomplish this. A chill runs up my spine just thinking about him. I pull out my phone and dial his number. It only takes three rings for him to answer.

"What a pleasant surprise. The last time I saw you was at our little winter getaway. We had such a good time."

"Cut the crap. I meant it when I said we should stay away from each other but I need your help."

"Anything for you."

XXX

Any guesses as to who this mysterious benefactor might be?

XXX