The World's Aftermath [ON MAJOR EDIT]

Chapter 14 [Cleo]

"Where were you at the time it happened?"

I gulp, the sound of my drumming heart and torn mind fading together with the raw emptiness beneath my throat. "The boy's bathroom."

No flinch, humiliation, or even a tug of smile appear in him.

Mr. Frederick writes down another word on his notes. Out of habit, he clicks the pen again, looks back at me with determined eyes. "What are you doing in the wrong part of the bathroom, Cleo?" He has such strong-willed voice ringing out, it makes me want to answer every goddamn question without quietly shivering.

"I-It was a mistake, sir," I say, looking down at my sweaty palms. "I was looking for a friend."

"Well, the cameras don't lie, you were in the male's bathroom," he says, more of a statement than an agreement.

My cheeks start to flush, uncontrollably and out of embarrassment. What else could I have said to make this anymore uncomfortable? Surely, lying is far from a solution. And the bathroom, I was out of my mind. But right now, that isn't my biggest threat, or his.

He studies me long and hard, one hand under his chin. He has skin with the color of coffee, 'looking as tough as a metal' is what I've heard from people. The dark vast of gray covering his uniform fit well within his body, even though no pride ever came from him, unlike the others.

"Cleo, you have a bodyguard named Eric, correct me if I'm wrong," he goes on.

My body retracts with a tiny jolt, hearing his name and reminding myself of how long forgotten he is in my mind hurts more than ever. And with that, the image of her still appears, they fade back when there's no distraction for me to move to.

"Yes, Mr. Frederick." Quiet, calm, and quick.

He clears his throat, "It's not a clever move to not report that your bodyguard is absent."

"I know." Is all I can manage to let out.

"He's absent with a flu?"

"He's.. getting a little better," I say, holding as little pain as possible coming out of my words.

"I see." He nods, an approval. I pray that no matter how good of a guard or security he is, he won't see the difference when I tell the truth or not.

And just like I am, his voice is draining down a deep well as if there is no bottom. I'm not the last person to be interviewed-a whole line of unfinished students are waiting outside, their mourning whispers can still be heard through the walls. It makes me worry how much job this man needs to handle, who's supposed to guard the situation around the school before night stands. Considering the fact that he never gives me a single smile.

"Before we get into your 'violating' move, I'd like to hear more about your relations with Diana."

A sharp blow cuts through my heart, like it wants to tear me apart and scream 'one last time' even when it's not. Diana, sweet, sweet Diana who knew how to handle anything.

Then again, I have a hard time looking into his eyes after he mentions her.

"Cleo?" He calls, softening his voice.

"Yes, sir?" I respond, quickly holding back anymore weaknesses, "I'm here."

"Good. First question, when was the last time you had an activity with her?"

"Yesterday," I say, truly holding back any guilt I've ever had for her. "We had science class together. The last thing I said to her... was a goodbye."