The Seed of Hope

Chapter 10: Unhinged

Bored out of her mind, Kate stared out the window of her classroom, daydreaming of what her future awaits.

-"Kate! Wake up!"- Naoko yelled at Kate, shaking her shoulder. -"You're drooling."-

-"Shut up..."- Kate's voice was groggy.

-"They're holding a welcome meeting in the auditorium, attendance is mandatory..."- Naoko said rolling her eyes. They couldn't believe they were back in school. the energy around here was so heavy and hostile, it was difficult to even concentrate in class. They walked out of the classroom when the bell rang and they made their way to the auditorium where the meeting was being held. Students whispered as Kate and Naoko walked in. This was that hostile energy that Kate despised. The stares burned into her, causing her to recoil and hide her body behind her best friend. Kate's breathing was erratic, anxiety grew inside her like fizz in a shaken soda bottle. Hands shaking, she found some seats near the middle aisle and sat down. Naoko tried to comfort her by rubbing her back and Kate slightly sank into her chair, trying to block any disapproving eyes.

Naoko looked at the stage and saw their school principal walk up to the center stage with her heels clacking on the wooden floorboards.

The microphone screeched loudly as the woman lightly tapped it. The voices quieted down and the woman cleared her throat.

-"Good Afternoon students! It's been a while!"- She said. -"I hope that everyone has been doing okay and that you are healing and coping."-

Kate sighed and teared up at the thought of her classmates either not among them anymore or lost loved ones.

-"Naoko, I don't feel comfortable here, they are gonna call me out, I know it!"- she panicked.

-"Calm down! No, they won't!"-

-"We will be holding a memorial for those who left us during the disaster over at the front of the outdoor stage."-

The whispers became louder as they began insulting Kate and blaming her for the casualties. Tears ran down Kate's face as she clenched her jaw. -"I didn't choose this...I didn't..."- she whimpered.

-"Students and staff, along with their families that have been identified or still remain missing will be honored in reverence."- A screen behind the principal began projecting the names and pictures of the ones lost in the disaster along with a obnoxiously sad song.

Sniffles and wails were heard around Kate as she fought tears back.

-"A moment of silence for those lost..."- The principal instructed and the auditorium was silent, only whimpers and cries of loss were heard.

Kate covered her face with her hands. She couldn't even look at the names without exploding into tears.

-"Thank you...We are aware that our chosen savior is among us, so we beg not to overwhelm or harass her. Our very own Katerina Lockheart was chosen by the Celestians and God to ward off any dangers that threaten us. Be respectful and reverent."-

Kate sunk deeper into her chair, embarrassed by the introduction. -"Fuck, I told you!"- Some students began spitting at Kate and further insulting her while throwing food and trash. Kate couldn't take any more abuse or pressure and ran off as she loudly cried. Naoko called to her best friend but Kate slammed the auditorium doors behind her.

-"Students, please! We all know you are grieving but please, no bullying or harassing!!"- The principal tried her best to stop the angry mob of students.

Naoko was hurt by what the students did to Kate, so she loudly stomped on the floor creating a loud, deep noise, making the seats and chandeliers shake. The students suddenly stopped yelling and stared at Naoko in disbelief.