Murder?

Chapter Three:

Chapter Three:

“My sister was murdered!” The girl raised her voice as people began whispering and someone started crying.  “A suicide note was found, but Alexandria wouldn’t have written it.”

  “Claire!” The man exclaimed when the girl had finished.  “You’re not supposed to release that news until the police have confirmed it.”

  Claire hung her head after handing the microphone back and mumbled something Cassidy couldn’t hear.

  “Oh, my, God,” Lola said.  “Can you believe that?”

  Jenn shook her head.  “No, Alexandria really was loved by everyone; I can’t imagine anyone murdering her.”

  “But if she loved her life, as they say, why would she commit suicide?” Cassidy asked.  She found it hard to believe but when she cast her eyes to the stage they fell on the picture of Alexandria.  She kept being drawn to those sad, haunted eyes, and felt as if something important was hidden behind them.  She was about to tell Lola and Jenn when she decided that she was overreacting and that she would keep it to herself.

  “Maybe she didn’t really.” Lola speculated.  “It could have been an act.  Alexandria was big into drama.”

  “But Claire seemed so sure,” Jenn said.

  “I wonder if the police will get involved?” Cassidy asked.

  “They already are,” A boy in front of them turned around.  “My dad’s the chief of police and he told me first thing this morning.”

  The boy turned back around and Lola, Jenn and Cassidy exchanged scared glances.  “Do you think the police will question everyone?” Jenn asked.

  “Probably,” Cassidy said.  “A girl at my old school was bullied and she called the police and they questioned everyone.”

  “Well lucky for you, you won’t need to be questioned.  You didn’t know Alexandria,” Lola said.

  Cassidy shrugged.  “She sounds like an ok person, a little goody-goody, but otherwise she would have been cool.”

  “She was a major suck-up,” Jenn leaned closer to Cassidy, over Lola, and whispered behind her hand.  “Teacher’s pet and everything,” She added.

                 “You may be dismissed.  But please know that just because classes are on hold so we will spend the day in our homerooms, doesn’t mean we can act like hooligans.  Please be respectful and talk to the counselors if needed.  Oh, and the police will be coming around this week as well to ask some questions and make sure Alexandria’s passing wasn’t surrounded by funny incidents." The principal walked off the stage and everyone stood up.

  “Let’s go,” Lola nudged Cassidy.  Jenn followed them as they descended the stairs.  “Bye, Jenn,” Lola called waving as she and Cassidy moved one way and Jenn went the other.

  “See you at break,” Jenn called waving to Cassidy.  Cassidy waved back.

  “C’mon,” Lola said.  “Otherwise we’ll get stuck in the crowd,” She finished sounding defeated as they waited for people to move.

  “Are you gonna talk to a counselor?” Cassidy asked Lola afraid she would be ditched.

  “Nah,” Lola said.  “I wasn’t really friends with Alexandria.”

  Cassidy mentally wiped her brow, glad her new friend wasn’t gonna ditch her. 

  “Excuse me!” Cassidy turned her head up to see a slim blonde girl towering over her.  “Watch it, pipsqueak!” The girl snarled.