Fade to Death

Chapter 9: Ignorant Bliss

A week had gone by and Kira was back at school. Kiki had been distant lately, and had kept silent ever since their conversation. She hadn't spoken a word about it to anyone or anything since the week before. She went to sleep early that night and only spoke when needed. As the five of them walked towards the locker areas, Jamie suddenly grabbed Kiki and dragged her towards the opposite direction.

"Keep walking!" she said, as the others, including Kira, looked at her confusingly.

"We're alone now, so talk to me!" Kiki's face points down at the gravel. "Kiki, you haven't spoken a single word since last week. Then, Jonas misteriously disappears for a week and comes back and you can't even look at him. Does this concern him?" Silence. "Well? Tell me! I am your best friend, right?'' Kiki finally says: "I'm just confused..."

"What do you mean? About what?"

"Myself."

Kiki walks past her. Jamie turns around and walks toward the same direction. She shouts at Kiki and follows her quickly.

"I'll talk to you later." Kiki said as the bell rang.

Biology class starts and Kira sits in his usual chair. Kiki decides to switch places with Jethro. Kira and Kiki quickly make eye contact every once in a while until the bell rings. They leave the classroom for lunch and Kira runs left while Kiki walks right. What am I gonna do now? she thinks. The whole group (Jethro, Jamie, Kiki, Bruno, Mika and Kira) sits at the same table but not in their usual spots. Kiki sits next to Jamie and farthest away from Kira. Jethro jokes about the food while Bruno laughs with his mouth full. Kira and Mika chuckle a little and Jamie scoffs at Bruno for talking with his mouthful. Manwhile, Kiki calmly eats and stays quiet. After a short while, Kira stands up and gets ready to leave.

"I have to go finish homework." he says.

"Oh, and what is this 'homework'?" Jamie teased.

"Chemistry 101, dummy." he chuckles.

"I'm leaving too. I have to study for an exam." Mika replied casually while grabbing his book bag.

"Well, okay. See you later." Jamie says nicely with a smile. Mika and Kira walk out the door. Kiki picks up her bookbag and leaves quickly.

"Where are you going, Kiki?" Jethro asked.

"Library." she mumbled quickly.

Kira walks towards the back door of the cafeteria. Kiki secretly goes around the cafeteria and outside and follows Kira from a distance. She sees Kira walk towards Mika, who was sitting on a bench with his math textbook. They chat for a while and the bell rings. Mika hands him a piece of paper and they wave goodbye.

Kiki had social studies and Kira had Literature 3. She couldn't stop thinking about the note. Maybe he'll come talk to me afterwards... she hoped. On the other hand, Kira looked as happy as ever. He smiled and laughed and he didn't look lost at all. But it was all just good acting. Kira had a plan and it was going exactly as planned. Obviously, Kiki didn't know about it and so, just like it was before meeting Kira, she felt like she couldn't trust anyone anymore. This time, she meant it. She felt like everything was her fault for not being able to notice before.

That afternoon, Kiki went straight to her bedroom. She didn't come down for supper and her mom had to take it to her room. Not only that, but she still didn't eat. Marsha came up to her room and when she opened the door, Kiki was sleeping. So, Marsha closed the door gently and went back to the kitchen.

"She looks depressed. Why won't you tell her?" Marsha asked, while walking towards the kitchen.

"You know why. I can't risk it."