I hate you | B.E.

14

AND YOU DON'T WANNA KNOW,
HOW ALONE I'VE BEEN.

___

"Anyone in here?"

Billie and Aurelia's faces lit up; they recognized the voice immediately. It was the school principal, a lovely and cheerful woman, always full of warmth and reassurance, even in the most trying times.

"Girls, the shooter has been arrested—" she began, noticing the stall door locked, her voice a soothing balm to their frayed nerves.

As soon as she spoke, there was an announcement over the intercom, clear and authoritative.

"The shooter is in cuffs. The police have arrived. The lockdown is over."

Relief washed over them like a tidal wave. The tension in their bodies eased, and tears of gratitude and exhaustion welled up in their eyes. Billie hugged Aurelia tightly, feeling the weight of the ordeal lift from her shoulders. The room, which had felt like a prison moments before, now seemed to ease from tension. The nightmare was over, and they could finally breathe again.

Billie and Aurelia exchanged a look of relief, their eyes glistening with unshed tears, as they stepped off the toilet and walked out of the stall. Billie held Aurelia's hips from behind, offering support and comfort. The principal stepped onto the bathroom tiles, her heels clicking against the floor, her usual bright smile now tempered with concern. She hurried over to the girls, wrapping them in a comforting embrace.

"Oh my goodness, thank God you're okay," she gasped out, her voice trembling. "The minute your teachers had done the rolls and saw you were missing, oh my goodness, my heart."

She hugged them tighter, tears of relief streaming down her face. Billie and Aurelia exchanged a look, hugging her back, feeling the intensity of her emotions.

"I'm so happy you did the right thing and ran to the bathroom, oh my goodness," she continued, her voice breaking with emotion. "You were so brave."

Billie let out a sob, Aurelia joining her in tears after.

"Did... did anyone get shot?" Billie spoke just above a whisper.

The principal let out a long sigh, pulling back to look at them, her hands resting on each of their shoulders. "No..." she began, Billie and Aurelia  letting out breath they didn't know they were holding,"we were so lucky this time. But we won't let this happen again. We are looking to enforce some infrastructure to protect the school." She patted their shoulders softly before taking a step back. "Come on, girls, we need to get you with the rest of the group."

They followed her out of the bathroom, the principal's presence a calming force. As they walked through the hallway, the reality of their safety began to sink in. Other students and teachers were emerging from their hiding places, relief evident on their faces.

When they reached the main hall, the scene was chaotic but filled with hope. Police officers were speaking with teachers, ensuring everyone was accounted for. Parents were beginning to stream in, their expressions a mix of worry and relief.

Maggie and Aurora were holding onto each other, Aurelia's younger siblings clutching onto Aurora, their small faces streaked with tears. For all Maggie and Aurora knew, their daughters were missing, having not been in class during the shooting. The fear and worry had drained the color from their faces, and they clung to each other, tears streaming down their cheeks.