Postmortem

Six Days After

    "A few days ago a tragedy occurred when our beloved student and friend, Danni Zarn, died in a car accident. He was a good friend to us all and will be missed. There will be a school assembly at 2:00 in his honor, and please let this tragic accident be a reminder; don't drink and drive." That was the announcement humming over the school speakers three days after Danni's death.
    The school was abuzz with this new piece of gossip, stories being weaved of foul play. The police had already declared it an accident. The front of the car was so mangled that it wasn't a viable piece of evidence, and the same could be said about the body. The funeral hadn't been announced yet, but it would come.
    Bruno, Luna, and Nicki were all huddled together whispering in low voices when I arrived. Nicki's face was puffy and red, mascara smeared across her eyes. I tilted my head and frowned at her, nodding in a mockery of sympathy. She sniffled.
    "I just can't believe it. He was so young." I said, as Bruno glared at me. I turned my sympathetic frown to him. Luna looked dazed, probably in shock.
    "You did this, I know you did." Bruno hissed at me. I furrowed my brows, extending a comforting hand to rest on his shoulder. He shook me off.
    "Bruno, the police said he was drunk and driving well above the speed limit. I know we're all grieving, but that's hardly my fault. Besides, what reason would I have to hurt him? We were friends." I reasoned.
    "You know exactly why. Because of the other night." He ground out. I stayed calm. It was easier to keep your heart rate slow and steady once you knew what it felt like stopped.
    "I don't know what you're talking about. A couple days ago we hung out, yeah, but nothing out of the ordinary happened." He took a menacing step closer.
    "You know damn well that we-" he stopped himself, finally noticing all the eyes in the hallway staring at him. He took a moment to evaluate. He could tell someone what he suspected, but what could he prove? He would only make himself sound crazy. His eyes widened at the realization. Even if he could show the cut brakes, no one would believe anything he had to say.
    He was acting accusatory, while I seemed to be the reasonable, compassionate, grieving friend. What would hold up in a court of public opinion? They started this game without understanding the rules. They were beginning to understand now. But now was too late when Danni was dead, and they would follow shortly after.
    "Are you alright, Bru? I know this is hard, but we'll get through it together." I assured.
    "Alice?" Luna asked quietly. I turned my gaze on her, only to find her green eyes already piercing into mine. "I'm sorry." I smiled gently at her, pulling her hand into my own. I watched her flinch as I did so with pleasure.
    "I know. So am I."