Dear Lucy

Chapter 14 : The False Confession

The next day, Lucas pulled up to the school gate and turned to me, his eyes filled with concern.

"You sure you'll be okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

I nodded, having convinced him yesterday that I needed to handle this alone. I knew his protective instincts might get the better of him.

"If anything goes wrong, call me," he reminded me, his voice firm.

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. I hadn't brought my phone, and it remained dead since yesterday.

Lucas managed a reassuring smile before driving off. I watched him go, then turned toward the school building.

With a deep breath, I steeled myself and stepped inside.

As I walked through the hallway, the weight of hundreds of eyes upon me was suffocating. Whispers and pointing fingers accompanied every step, making my skin crawl. I felt like a condemned prisoner marching to their execution.

I reached my locker, seeking refuge from the stares. Inside, a letter waited, not really surprised

Dear Lucy,
I heard about the accusations. I'm sorry you're going through this. You must stay strong.I know you didn't steal the jewelry. You were set up. I know who's behind it, but for now, I must remain silent.Here's what you must do, when the principal and school authorities summon you, confess to the theft. I know it sounds insane, but trust me. This is the only way to catch the real culprit.Don't question my motives. Just trust me.
Sincerely,
Your anonymous writer

After finishing the letter, I felt an inexplicable trust in the anonymous writer. But confessing to a crime I didn't commit sent shivers down my spine. I returned the letter to my locker and closed it, lost in thought.

Xena rushed toward me, her face etched with concern. She enveloped me in a warm hug, patting my back reassuringly.

"I saw the footage of you being pushed into the pool and accused of theft," she said. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there. I know you didn't steal it."

Her kindness brought a faint smile to my lips.

The surrounding stares made me uncomfortable, and I gently broke free from the hug.

"I've have been calling your number since yesterday, but it wasn't going through," Xena said.

"Thanks, Xena. I'll try to be okay," I replied, glancing at the onlookers.

"I think you should stay away from me for a while."

Xena understood my implication. "Why? Because you think you're dragging me into this?" Her voice was firm. "You're my friend, Lucy, and you can't face this alone. Don't worry, I'll tell my dad about it, and he'll take care of it."

Her support brought another smile.

"Thank you," I said

...
...

I attended my classes, but the atmosphere felt oppressive. Every glance from my classmates stung, their whispers and pointed fingers branding me a thief.

The principal's words still echoed in my mind: "We expect a public confession, Lucy. The school authorities demand accountability."

I felt trapped, my reputation tarnished by unfounded accusations.

As I walked to the school hall for the special announcement, anxiety gripped me. What would they say? Would I be expelled?

The hall filled with students, teachers, and faculty members. The principal took the stage, her expression stern.

"Students and staff, we gather today to address a serious matter," she began. "Allegations of theft have been made against one of our own. Lucy, please step forward."

My heart sank. This was it, my public shaming.

I stepped in front of everyone and I remembered the anonymous letter and decided to trust its words. Scanning the sea of faces, I wondered if the writer was among them

Taking a deep breath, I confessed, "I stole the diamond chain"

My voice trembled, and tears threatened to fall. The students murmured, their disgusted glances piercing.

The trio was nowhere to be seen, or perhaps I just couldn't spot them amidst the crowd.

The school authorities then announced my punishment: a week-long suspension and three apology letters , two to the victims and another to the school.

"As you serve your suspension, reflect on your actions," the principal warned, her words dripping with disapproval. "Your apology letters must be sincere and heartfelt."

I seethed inwardly, clenched my fist in anger. Paying for a crime I didn't commit? Unthinkable. A vow formed in my mind, I would uncover the truth, expose the real culprit, and make them regret ever framing me.

I nodded, outwardly compliant, but my heart burned with determination. The principal's words echoed in my mind: "Reflect on your actions." But I knew my actions were innocent.

Now, the entire school would brand me a thief. The thought stung, fueling my resolve.

"I will clear my name," I whispered to myself, a promise to be kept.

...
...