The Lost Diary

Prologue

I've seen the wounds. I've seen the bruises. I've seen the people who made my best friend suffer. What did I do? Nothing. I just stood here, waiting for them to finish. I'm weak, useless, and pathetic. Two of them were holding me back by my arms and I struggled to free myself, but I coudn't escape those chain-like arms.

John was doubled over in pain while I could only stare, helpless as they threw their punches. He backed against the stadium benches and hardly attempted to defend himself. Another punch to his left side left him gasping for breath.

John needed me. He didn't deserve this. He deserved better. I forcefully stomped my foot onto theirs and their grip weakened enough for me to pull myself free. I quickly ran to John across the stretch of grass dividing us, put his arm around my shoulder, and helped him stand. The guys ran away after what they'd done.

"Are you okay?" I asked the obvious. He was not okay, I knew that. If I didn't come here, maybe he'd have more broken ribs or worse, he could've died.

"I'm fine. Thanks for the help." He mumbled while trying to clean his navy and white uniform.

"I told you to stand up, learn to fight and stop being kind to them. They deserved to be expelled from our school. Do something John," I said while tears are flowing down my cheeks. "I don't want to lose you. You don't deserve this. Please, do something."

He walked away from me with tears in his eyes. I didn't bother to follow him because he needed some space.

John, I hope you'll do something.

Save yourself from Annie and her minions. Do... something.

I don't want to lose you.

I kicked the dirt and noticed he left his diary laying on the grass. This diary seems so neat for a guy. I picked it up and turned it over in my hands before setting it gently in my shoulder bag. I made a mental note to remember to give it to him tomorrow.

**

"Here's your diary, John," I said, handing him his prized possession. "You left it yesterday."

"Thanks, I thought I lost it," he said as he took the book and ran his hand along the leather binding. "Did you read it?"

I shook my head.

"Good. Let's go to the rooftop of the school and plan something for the weekend."

The rooftop was our safest place; somewhere we could get away from the rest of the world. We would sit there and talk for hours, eveloped by the strong embrace of the wind.

"How about the fun house?" I suggested.

He nodded his head in agreement, "Alright. Let's go." We ran to the rooftop with our hands clasped. It was a good thing John was looking ahead so he'd not catch the blush in my face.

I tucked a strand of my dark golden brown hair behind my ears. "Wait, I forgot to bring my phone. You go first and I'll follow you 'kay?"

"Okay. Stay safe, Sarah." He said, leaving me behind. Stay safe? From what? I thought to myself, unaware that I'd soon find out.