Jilly Stories

What if...? Part II

Alright guys, here we go.

DAY OF ALVA'S RETURN

I wake up, feeling just as exhausted as when I fell asleep. I can't even count how many times THAT'S happened.

"Good morning," I tell myself. I do that often. Sometimes, it makes all of this hurt less, as if I'm talking to another person. I get changed and head to my first class, History. It's by far my least favorite class, since all of my ex-friends are in it. I sigh as I head to my seat. I just HAD to choose to sit with Jax. My old best friend. And crush. But whatever. I notice Jax staring at me during class, and finally I turn around while we're writing down our assignment.

"What," I snap, even though I really want to give him a hug right now more than anything. He shakes his head.

"What are you planning Gilly," he asks me softly, almost like he's sad. He definitely looks sad. I roll my eyes and turn back to my paper, though I can feel tears in my eyes.

"Nothing," I whisper, "absolutely nothing."

As soon as class is over, I race to my room. I can't cry in front of them. It'll ruin everything. The only one who knows my plan is Miri. And she won't tell a soul. I know it. To distract myself, I decide to do some of my homework. I'm skipping the rest of my classes to get ready. At exactly 4:00PM I'll have to go to the woods. I know this because Alva has a mirror and Miri often goes through it and informs me on what her plans are. Would you look at that. My only friend is a mirror who I used to hate. But Miri has been a big help. I'm starting to realize she probably told Flora, from the way all the teachers look at me. None of them have tried to stop me though. Good, it should be that way. So maybe Miri would tell a soul. Ugh.

"Alright," I voice my thoughts, "let's do this." I pack my stuff and go outside to wait. It's 3:00PM and I have to go into the woods in an hour. Once I'm outside, I sit and read my book. Books have lately been one of the only things keeping me sane. Other than talking to Miri and doing homework. Once again, I feel a pang of regret of getting rid of my friends. Was that really the only way to keep them safe? But, I tell myself that it is the only way. If I didn't, they'd follow me into war. I think even Jocelyn would. And I might not care about her as much, but right now it seems as if everyone is as important as a royal. Just then, I realize that I never gave the note to my friends! Oh that's something I'm definitely gonna regret. I hear a voice behind me.

"Gilly," it calls, "what are you doing here?" I stand up, and turn to face him.

"None of your business," I hiss, but my voice is shaky. I feel a tear slip down my cheek. I look at my watch and find that it's time for me to leave.

"Oh, now that you're here, take this," I tell him, pressing a piece of paper in his hand. Then, I run into the forest.

Jax's P.O.V.

I've been watching Gilly all week. This isn't the real her. I know it. The real Gilly wouldn't abandon her friends. The real Gilly wouldn't isolate herself from the real world. The real Gilly wouldn't embarrass me in front of so many people. So I know that when I hear her cry in her dorm all alone, when I see her eyes become glossy, when I see her fighting back tears, that's the real Gilly. The Gilly that would give the world to her friends and family. The real Gilly is in this note.

Dear Maxine, Kayla, Ollie, and Jax

I'm sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry. I can't have you guys get hurt. Even if I've already hurt you all. I needed to do this to keep you all safe. You guys are my best friends in the whole world, and you deserve to live way more than I do. So don't come after me because if you do, there's no point. You all are the best people in the world, and I could never repay you for what you've done for me. The least I can do is save you guys from the pain these villains are bringing.