Emma Swift and the Proven Rumor (ON HOLD)

Chapter Three: That Day's Toll

After waving goodbye to my aunt and uncle, I walk three blocks towards the train station. I know how to get there from thinking of running away a few times, of course, after my family's death. I remember that day clear in my mind.

I was twelve and in seventh grade the day they died. I was still in school when I heard the horrifying news, the day my childhood ended.

That day, I was glad. It was the last day before winter break and I was excited as my cat, Pumpkin, about to be fed. I didn't know then, but it was all going to splatter in my face.

Matt was sick, so my parents took off for the day to take him to the doctor's office. Then, the car... the driver... my family.

****

"Ms. Cat," the phone rang.

"Yes," Ms. Cat answered.

"Can you send Emma Swift to the main office? There's a... a problem." Ms. Cat looked over me and nodded.

"She'll be right down."

****

I close my eyes and stand at the train station. The gentile wind blows on my face and I close my eyes. I let out a breath and relax. My whole body relaxes.

"There you are," a familiar voice says from behind me. Jessica. I stiffen. "Where were you?"

"What are you doing here?" I say through grunted teeth without turning around.

"My boyfriend is going to the same school as you. Why else would I go to the Haunted School?" she says. I turn around to her and roll my eyes.

"You aren't scared?"Jessica's lips quivers, so she bites her lip and nods. "Whatever you say."

"Well... well... my parents aren't dead!" she shoots back. The car... the driver... the lives lost. I tear falls down my cheek and Jessica laughs.

***

After getting all my stuff and going down to the main office, I sat down at the principal's, Mr. Net's, desk. "There's not another easier way to say this, Emma, and I hate to be the one to tell you this: Your brother and parents died in a car crash."

All I remember after that was breaking down.

****

I turn around to hide my tears, covering my face with my hands.