Letters to Leah

3: A New Friend

Chapter 3: A New Friend

            The next day was terrible. I woke up, showered, and dressed. I debated not going to school, but I thought I could handle it. I was beyond wrong. The word had spread of Leah's condition around school, and the people from the party started encountering me with their side of what happened.

            Apparently, Leah had been drinking, dancing, and having a good time. Some people were kicking at rotten boards in the wall; once they were done with that, they found a rotten post that went from floor to ceiling. Other people saw this and left, five or ten stayed- including Leah. One of the jocks delivered the last blow to the post, causing the barn to creak shortly before falling in on itself. Most people got out in time without any injuries, and when they thought it was safe went back in to find and help their friends. When they couldn't find Leah's body, they assumed she had already gotten out and was safe.

            I still blame myself for letting her leave in the first place, but some of my anger spread to these people as well. After they told me their side of the story, only one person talked to me for the rest of the day: Sam.

            I never imagined he would sit next to me in class, especially not to comfort me over my best friend. He was good at it too, comforting. When the teachers wouldn't allow us to talk he would pass notes to me with reassuring words that Leah would pull through. This is what made me realize what I was going to do. I would write Leah a letter every day while she was in the hospital, I'd tell her every thing that went on, I'd keep her up to date on all the gossip, and I'd let her know how everybody felt about her.

            Going home was hard, knowing that I would be alone. Of course, I could text Sam. In the course of a day he'd become a good friend to me. Conversation was easy, and he knew how to make me laugh. He had also given me his number and said he was there for me if I needed him. When I pulled out my phone I had a message from my dad, things just keep getting worse. The message read 'Leah, sorry I missed your calls. I love you.' Yeah, right. I put my phone back in my pocket and went on, ignoring him just as he ignored me.

*Sam's POV*

            On my way home, my thoughts wandered to Noella. She's beautiful with those pretty blue eyes and that adorable smile. I can't help but feel sorry for her. She's a great friend to everyone- especially Leah. Noella doesn't deserve this.

            Entering my driveway something about the house doesn't look right. Then I realize one of the front windows is busted. A little nervously, I reached for the doorknob. "Hello?" I called hesitantly. It looks like a tornado hit the place. The furniture's knocked over and things are strewn all over the floor. Whoever was here was looking for something. I search the rest of the house and there's nobody here. I dialed mom at her work and told her, then called the police. She's coming home to help clean up and see the damage to the window. This is just great, in the middle of everything that's happened recently, this too. The police take forever to show up, and they weren't of much help either. Typical

            After the scene in the living room is cleaned up, I'm exhausted. I crash in my bed hoping to sleep all my troubles away.

*Noella's POV*

That night, after dinner, I sat down to write Leah the first letter.

Leah,

            I'm so very sorry this happened. It's unbelievable, and I can't help but blame myself for letting you go to that party. Yesterday, in that hospital bed, you looked so helpless and pitiful. I hope you pull through this without any complications. Your parents have still not left the hospital, and Liza is so worried about you. Today I went to school and everyone told me bits and pieces about what happened. Sam sat next to me all day, too. I've always thought he was beautiful, but never looked that closely. His eyes are a gorgeous brown, and he has great tone to all his muscles. My dad messaged me finally, but I'm done trying with him. Other than that, nothing really eventful happened today. So until next time-