fractures

help me uncover the truth

Layne

Abbey and I sit in the empty classroom with our backs against the wall.

"I'm sorry you had to see all that," I apologise, staring at my hands. "I guess I just lost it for awhile."

"You don't have to apologise. You don't even have to feel embarrassed," Abbey objects. "Everyone goes through that every once in a while."

"Well, yeah, but I'm sure not everyone does what I did-"

"Then that's where you're wrong!" Abbey cuts in, sounding exasperated. "You lost your best friend, Layne. That's a big deal. It irks me, how you're so...uptight about this."

I pause for a while. "My mother emphasises a lot on keeping it together all the time, especially in tough situations. I guess I just got it from her."

Abbey looks like I've just made the most horrifying revelation of all time. "So you're not allowed to cry at home!? That's just pure cruel."

There's a sudden urge to defend my mother, because I don't really know Abbey yet and here she is accusing my mother of cruelty. I'm about to shoot back a retort but the minute I open my mouth, the words die at the back of my throat. Because in some way, Abbey is right. My mother doesn't outright declare that I'm not allowed to cry, but I've seen the look on her face whenever she sees me.

I've seen the disapproval in her eyes whenever I walk out of my room after a whole day of holing up inside. I've seen the way her brows furrow when I walk past her or the way she looks at me when I'm out in the backyard reminiscing about the past and she doesn't know I've noticed her presence.

Sometimes it sucks, being the only daughter of a minister of state.

"It's not really that...but...I don't know, it's something like that..." I trail off. Would you defend your mother against a stranger's words when what the stranger said is exactly what you've been thinking for your entire life just that you've never dared to admit it? 

Abbey just sighs. "Fight for your rights, Layne. You're human too. Humans aren't perfect." 

Well, except for Marlene. 

Marlene was perfect. She got straight As for all her tests, was friends with everyone despite being targeted by The Regium, was compassionate and caring and the most filial daughter the world had ever seen.  Then she threw all that away the day she fell off the cliff. 

I stand abruptly, not wanting my thoughts to wander too far off. "Second period's almost starting. We should get going."

"Layne, wait, I've got something to ask you," Abbey says, standing as well. 

Abbey takes a deep breath, like she's scared of asking the question. Then she asks, "Could I...you know, help you find out how Marlene died?"

I did not expect that.

"But...but why? You don't even know her," I answer, not quite willing to let other people in on my investigation. 

Abbey seems like she's wrecking her brain for an answer, but she just shrugs in the end. "I have my reasons. But please, let me help."

Something in Abbey's eyes catches my attention, something like hope or desperation or something, but it confuses me. Why would Abbey want to know the truth so badly? 

Nevertheless, I admit I do need help in this. I might never find answers for my questions if I work alone.

"Okay then. Help me uncover the truth."

Abbey smiles then. 

And for the first time in a long time, I find the strength to smile back. 

-

okay hello, i don't really do a/n but i just wanted to take the time to thank the people reading this story. thank you so much! :D i hope you're enjoying the story so far. sorry i can't update sooner but i'm quite busy sorry "-.- 

anyway, i'll try to update sooner, thanks again:D

-ohkayed:)