Dancing With Wolves

The Return

"Is that..."

"When did she get back?"

"Didn't her parents ship her off to her Aunt's?"

"I heard she killed her parents."

I walked down the hallway of Hugh McRae High School with an expressionless face. People around me glanced at me in what they thought was an inconspicuous way.  Their whispers echoed through the narrow hall, and I heard more than I wanted to. So many rumors. So many lies.

I haven't stepped foot in this wretched place in two years. My aunt thought it would be good for me to start and finish my senior year here. She thinks maybe it will provide some sort of closure. As if.

I looked around and saw many familiar faces, mostly curious, and some upturned in disgust. I continued walking with my head held high.

I walked into the office to grab my schedule, and sitting in a chair across the room was Caitlyn Chambers- my best friend since seventh grade. Well, at least she used to be before I left. The door closed behind me and her head jerked up. She hadn't changed much. She still had her brown hair with highlights, and she still had the hoop in her nose.

Her eyes widened when she saw me, but then they narrowed and glared at me. She grabbed her bag from the chair next to her and rushed past me out of the office.

Walking up to the front desk I ask for my schedule.

"Sure hun, let me go print it out," she replied. I sat down in the chair that Caitlyn had just occupied. I scanned the room only to see that right outside the office doors, kids were crowding around trying to see if it was really me that returned, kids that were hoping they had heard wrong.

"Here you go! You still remember where all the classrooms are right?" She asked handing me my schedule.

"Yes ma'am."

"Alright, have a great first day!" And with that I exited the office and the kids surrounding the area scattered with one last look.

At lunch I sat alone in the library. I vowed to myself not to let it become a habit, but I don't think I'd be able to handle my peers today.

"Cassie?"

I knew that voice. I turned around, and there he was. Here was the boy who fought away my demons, who made me laugh and smile. Here was the boy who loved me for who I was, and was always by my side. Here was the boy who said he'd love me forever. Yet, he was looking at me as if at any moment he'd break down and cry, or throw something across the room. His brows were scrunched up, and in his eyes I saw a hurricane.

"Uh...I...uh, you look good," were the first word to come out of my mouth.

"Where have you been? I was out of my mind worrying about what happened to you! You just disappeared out of thin air! I haven't seen you in over two years Cassie! What did you-"

"I went to my Aunt's for a while. After all that's happened... I couldn't stay here Lane. This place has too many bad memories." As I told him this, tears were building up in my eyes.

"That doesn't mean you can't talk to me, or anyone else for that matter. I mean... God! You never even said goodbye to me! After all we went through, I thought that if nothing else you would just shoot me a text."

"I'm sorry Lane. It was never my intention to hurt you."

"Yea, well you did, and I've moved on Cass. I'm with Caitlyn now."

I had tried to prepare myself for this, but nothing I could ever do would have prepared me for that. I should have seen it coming.

"For how long?" I questioned.

"A few months after you 'disappeared'. We were both so torn up about it, and in the end, it brought us together."

"Oh, okay. Well I really should be leaving. I have to go to all my classes early to get my slip signed. Bye," and with that, I grabbed my plate and my bag and headed for the door.

(After School)

"How was school honey?"

"Fine Aunt Sue, just fine," I replied with a small smile on my face.

"How are those kids treating you?" Her eyes were filled with concern.

"Good, it's like I never left!" I hated lying to her, but it wasn't necessary for her to know that the majority of the student body thought I was a killer.

"That's great hon! I'm getting takeout for dinner, hope that's okay!"

"Yea Aunt Sue, that's fine. I'm going up to my room. Call me down when dinner is ready please."

I made my way upstairs, threw my bag in the corner and propelled myself into my bed. I felt like crying. There was nothing good about a day like today. I looked over at my nightstand where a picture of my parents and I resided. We were at the beach, and we looked so happy. We had a stranger take our picture in front of the waves with the sun just beginning to set. I was in the middle, with both of my parents' arms around me. Our smiles overtook our faces. It was a glorious day.

"Hi mom. Hi dad. I went back to Hugh McRae today. It was terrible. Everyone thinks I did it. Of course they would. They don't know anything. I saw Mr. Owens today. I remember y'all always used to talk about the way he gelled his hair to cover his bald spot. He was the only person today who genuinely didn't seem to dislike me. Funny huh?

"I miss you guys. I can't believe it's been over two years since I've seen you. Time sure does fly. I hope you guys are somewhere in heaven laughing and smiling. I'll see you soon."

By the end of my small speech I had tears flowing freely down my face. I wiped my eyes and rolled over in bed, burying my head into my pillow. I closed my eyes and felt sleep overcome me.