Cold Hearts - Mark Tuan fanfic

12 - Guilty Feelings

The day of the debate is here. You go through your speech one more time before entering the gym where all the students are gathered. 

Sarah opens the program by introducing you and Britney. Britney goes first. Her speech is ok...but not better than yours. When you finish yours, the crowd roars in support. You smile at yourself. Looking at Britney frowning at the side just gives you too much pleasure. You're loving this.

The questions come next. Sarah reads the first question. 

'How do you handle the arising issues of drug use in our school?' You knew this was gonna come up and you're so prepared for it. 

"I know a lot of you still think that I'm connected to all this. I don't blame you. Because of my dad's reputation, my name is automatically linked to it. But let me tell you this, I've never even once in my life depended on illegal drugs. In fact, because I am so against it, I've done my own investigation since I was the prime suspect at first." 

You can hear everybody whispering in their seats. You smile at Peniel who was sitting at the front row. 

"With the help of some friends, I was able to get a hold of a private investigator. He has found out some helpful info about the problem. I won't be naming the students involved for now. But, I will surely use all my power, if elected as president, to give them the appropriate punishment they so deserve." You look at Britney who is now fiddling with her fingers on the podium in front of her. "Isn't that right, Britney?"

She looks at you nervously, then smiles. She then takes the mic and tells her opinion about the issue. 

After all the questions have been answered, Sarah makes a small speech and dismisses everyone. 

"What do you mean earlier?" Sarah comes up to you on your way to your locker. "You know who's behind the drug problem? Tell me."

"I can't give out details yet, Sarah. You'll be the first to know." But, you already know. You just don't want it to end yet. You want to torture them more. 

"Hey, pretty," Peniel helps you with your things and puts them in your locker. "Date tonight?"

"Of course."

"Pick you up at seven," then he runs off to his friends. 

"Elysa," Sasha has her head bent. Every time she talks to you, ever since you've got back your position as captain, she couldn't meet your eyes. 

"Yes!" Your arms are crossed in front of you and you tap your foot impatiently. 

"I'm sorry. I'm not feeling so well. Can I skip practice today?" You can see how pale she is. 

"No." Then you stomp and head to the field. She follows you slowly behind. 

"Places!" You shout at the girls. Sasha drags herself to the back of the formation. "Sasha!" You scream at her, while walking towards her. "What do you think are you doing? You're place is at the front." You point to the empty spot she is supposed to be standing in. 

With her head still bent, she staggered to the front. "Sorry," she whispers. 

In the middle of the routine, you hear Phoebe scream. "Sasha!"

You turn around and find Sasha sprawled on the ground. All the girls, including you, crowd over her. 

"Medics!" One girl cries. 

Boys from the soccer team, practicing, come to help carry her to he stretcher. 

"What happened?" Peniel asks.