Butterfly Keeper // h.s. au

Chapter Thirty Two

"I don't know what you did Lotts, It's like he came back and his whole entire attitude changed. He's been so affectionate and considerate, even after we found out that it was just a scare." Courtney praises with with joy and gratitude in her tone. I let out a small chuckle under my breath.

"Well I'm glad, I've been worried sick over the whole situation ever since you told me everything." I speak as I collect my library books from around my room, my phone tucked into the crook of my neck as I perform the task.

"Shit, you are a godsend, Charlotte. I think Zayn listens to your advice like he would a sister. I don't know what the hell I would do without you."

I swallow and choke out another laugh, this must be my new way of hiding my feeling for the day.

"Yeah, I guess so," I switch the phone to my other shoulder, bending down to count how many books I've gathered. After running my fingers over their spines I conclude that I'm missing one, Gulliver's Travels.

"So... Are you coming to Niall's funeral?" Her voice noticeably lowers in tone and I can hear her sharp intake of breath. I happen to do just the same.

"I don't... I don't think so. I didn't really know him, I feel like it would be rude for me to attend the funeral of someone I didn't actually know."

"But you helped with his search party, and basically all students are welcome to come. I'm sure Zayn would like the support..." She trails off.

I really wish she would stop mentioning Zayn, but I can't exactly tell her that either. I made a promise, and even with things being weird between Zayn and I, I still have some sort of respect for him. If things are fixed between those two now then I guess it doesn't really matter anyway. I just wish that I could stop the pang that shudders in my chest every time I hear his name.

"I just don't think it would be right of me," I say in an apologetic voice. "I think he'll be okay if you're there."

There's silence on the other line, a foggy static filling my ears before she speaks again.

"Yeah, you're right." She pauses. "Did you hear about Niall's cause of death? Or the rumor that was being spread around about his body?"

I pull my brows together, hesitating only a moment before dropping Gulliver's Travels into my bag.

"Uh, I don't think so."

"It's crazy, Lotts, I mean... It's really starting to worry me." She says quietly.

"What happened?" I ask hesitantly.

"They determined that he died from blunt trauma to the side of his skull and neck. And people are saying that his body was found with... An actual rose like, in his mouth, and his hands chained together on his chest."

I gasp and fumble to take a seat on the edge of my bed, suddenly feeling a jolt of weakness go through me.

"Oh my... god, that's so messed up! Do they think it could be..." I can't bring myself to say the word, my voice getting stuck in the back of my throat. But I don't have to, Courtney does it for me.

"Murder? Yes, they've opened an investigation and don't be surprised if you see cops on campus more frequently now."

"This is insane." I insist in a whisper as I lightly rub my hand against my cheek, hoping maybe it's all just a bad dream.

"I know! Stuff like this never happens to people I know, It's like-" I hear a deep voice in the back ground causing Courtney to cut her sentence short. After a few more minutes I determine that it's Zayn, and I hate the way that my heart thuds a little more heavy at that fact.