Another Dark Day,

Chapter Nine

The next morning I awoke to the sun shining brightly through the curtains and the rush of cool breeze from the crack in my window. I shivered. 'It's going to be cold today' I thought and threw the blanket over my face. Melissa knocked on the door and once I said she could come in, she smiled at the expression on my face and giggled quietly. 'Not looking forward to school today huh?' 'No' I replied, not attempting to hide my nerves. 'You'll be fine' she assured me. 'They have very nice teachers and students at Mannix High. I'm sure they'll make you feel welcome.' 'Hm' I though. 'Let's hope so.' Once I was ready Melissa gave me a kiss on the forehead and wished me a good day. 'Please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything' she shouted over the sound of the bus. 'I won't be doing much today and I can always come and get you if you need.' 'Thanks Melissa' I shouted back. 'But I think I'll be alright.' Once I greeted the bus driver and hopped on the bus, I was overwhelmed with the many eyes who meet mine. 'Oh gosh' I heard one girl say. 'That's Lacey's new replacement.' 'Look at her' another snickered. 'I wonder if the same thing will happen to her as it did the last one.' I felt the gradual rising of my heart beat and tried to control myself from hyperventilating. 'Why was this happening on my first day?' I wondered nervously. 'I had nothing to do with Lacey's disappearance, they all seem to hate me.' 'Things could not be any worse and I hadn't even gotten to school yet' I thought to myself and searched desperately for a spare seat. It wasn't until I found one at the back of the bus that my heart beat started to return to normal. I hurried quickly to get there and tried to block out the sounds of whispers around me. 'Breathe Rebecca' I said to myself. 'It will be alright.' 'Hi' a girl from behind me said, tapping me on the shoulder. 'You must be Rebecca right? I'm Sarah.' 'Hi' I replied, partly surprised she knew my name. 'Do I know you?' 'No, you wouldn't. Sorry! Whenever I introduce myself I assume they're local. I was best friends with Lacey, Lacey Smith.' 'Oh gosh, I'm so sorry.' I said sympathetically. 'I heard what happened to her.' 'Yes, you would have I'm assuming. Living in her old house and all.' 'Yes' I replied, unsure of what to say. 'I'm sorry if this seems forward..' I hesitated. 'But why is everyone whispering about me?' 'Don't take it personally' She said, simply brushing off the possibility of anyone having anything against me. 'No-one's heard from Lacey since she went missing and there's just a lot of rumours going around.' Sarah's comment wasn't exactly comforting, but it was easing to hear that everyone didn't necessarily hate me before I'd even had my first proper day. The rest of the bus trip I stayed quiet, drifting off in thought about Lacey's diary and what secrets were hidden within the pages. When we arrived at school, I waited for everyone to get off the bus— picked up my school bag, swung it over my shoulder and made my way to the front office.