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𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 chapter twentyone
The next morning dawned with a cool breeze, the sun peeking through the trees as Celeste walked alongside Allison and Lydia on the path towards Beacon Hills High School. It felt surreal to be back, especially for Lydia, who was returning for the first time since the incident that had left her lost and confused. The air buzzed with the excitement of students heading back to school, but for Lydia, the anticipation was mixed with anxiety.
"Celeste said you don't remember anything," Allison said, casting a concerned glance at Lydia. "You really don't remember anything?"
Lydia sighed, as she looked down at her feet. "They called it a fugue state, which is basically a way of saying, 'We have no idea why you can't remember running around the woods naked for two days.' Personally, I don't care. I lost nine pounds," she replied with a touch of sarcasm, trying to mask the unease swirling within her.
As they reached the door to the school, Celeste paused and turned to Lydia. "You know that I will skip today if you aren't ready," she said, her eyes filled with sincerity. Just as Celeste spoke, Allison chimed in, "You ready for this?" Her tone was careful, gauging Lydia's mood.
"Please. It's not like my aunt was a serial killer," Lydia scoffed, the words dripping with defiance as she threw the door open and strutted inside. Celeste and Allison exchanged glances, momentarily stunned by Lydia's boldness.
Celeste placed a comforting hand on Allison's arm, offering a sympathetic smile. "Don't mind her—she gets like this when the nerves are a little too heavy," she reassured her friend. Allison looked down, sadness flickering in her eyes, but the warmth of Celeste's smile encouraged her to return the gesture. Celeste then extended her hand, and after a brief moment, Allison took it, both girls drawing strength from one another as they followed Lydia into the school.
As the three girls stepped into the student-filled corridor, the door clanged shut behind them, and an instant hush fell over the crowd. Every eye turned to focus on Lydia, and a few awkward seconds stretched painfully as they absorbed the sight of her.
"Maybe it's the nine pounds," Allison leaned in, trying to break the tension with humor.
After what felt like an eternity of silence, Lydia flicked her hair back dramatically, exuding confidence as she claimed the moment. With her head held high, Celeste and Allison mirrored her stance, and together, they walked through the throngs of students, the trio a united front against the whispers and stares that followed. The bond of friendship fortified them, reminding them that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
