Beneath the Surface

Chapter 1

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry. I heard what happened."

"I'm so sorry. Let me know if you need anything."

That's all I've been hearing from everyone at school today. My teachers have been giving me their pity looks and letting me know my assignments have an extension just for me. Whenever you lose someone who was close to you I guess it's standard for everyone to feel sorry for you and give you special treatment. However, I don't like the extra attention. It just reminds you of the pain and the loss.

Three days ago my best friend's parents, the Walkers, came to my house. I will never forget the look on Mrs. Walker's face. Her eyes were all red and her face had dried up tears all over her once rosy cheeks. She was sitting on the couch next to Mr. Walker. His face was no different and he had his arm around her for comfort. However, what was worst were my parents' faces when I came down. The look of sadness, sorrow, and complete grief. Not just for the Walkers, but for me as well.

"Honey, we need you to sit down." My father said as I entered the family room.

As I sat down I knew what was to come. There was just one explanation as to why everyone was looking the way they did. I knew what was about to come out of my father's mouth. There was no avoiding the inevitable. In just a few seconds my father was going to say the only words that could completely shatter me apart into oblivion. The words...

"Hailey, I'm so sorry. Justin was killed in action."

Those words, 'killed in action,' were the words Justin promised me I would never have to hear once he told me he had enlisted in the army. He told me he wanted to serve his country and that he would see me soon. He had sent me letters almost every week for a year. He was only in combat for a year. He graduated with his whole life ahead of him. I didn't speak to him for a week once he told me. I just didn't want to see my best friend leave me. The friend I always went to when I needed someone to talk to. The friend who gave me half of his cupcake in kindergarten when it was his birthday. Now I'll never be able to tell him how much he really meant to me.

"Hailey?" I heard from behind my locker door. When I heard my name I immediately realized I've been crying out in the hallway just staring inside of my locker.

I quickly rub my eyes with my arm and shut my locker. When I look to see who had said my name I notice it was Liam. The quiet, yet popular kid in school. He's popular not because he's the soccer captain, but because of his looks. He has chestnut brown hair with dark green eyes. He's been going to school with me my whole life and this is the only time he has ever said a word to me. Not because he's a jerk or anything, it's just that he keeps to himself and hangs out with people that are not in my social group.

"Um, hi Liam." I say in the most awkward way.

"I just wanted to know if you wanted to go to this party on Friday night at my friend Carter's house. I heard what happened and I just figured you might want to take your mind off of everything for a little while."

"A party?"

"Yeah. I understand if you might not be up for a party right now."

"No no. A party sounds great. Normal. Can I bring friends?"

"Of course. Bring as much people as you want."

"I'll be there. Thanks." I say as if I just made an appointment.

"No problem." Liam says and walks away.

But before he walks out of hearing range I blurt out, "Thanks for not mentioning how sorry you are!" like a complete idiot.