Falling...into the Dark.

23

Alice

I couldn't believe Case's question.
"You are joking right?" I asked her. I turned towards Mel.
"She is joking right?" I asked Mel. She didn't say anything. She just stared at the floor silently.
"You think? Does it seem funny?" Case broke the silence.
"Do you seriously think I did it?" I asked.
"I know it Alice. It's pretty clear" Case said bitterly.
"There might be a mistake" I said looking at Mel.
"I checked it seven times Ally" Mel said apologetically.
"But I didn't do it guys. Why will I do it?"
"To take revenge ?" Case replied.
"What revenge?"
"Oh don't be so innocent. During freshman year I spiked your drink and then when you got all drunk I recorded you dance and we laughed so much at it...that day you told me that you will have your revenge one day.. remember?" Case was fuming with anger.
"Are you crazy? I was drunk then. I wasn't even serious about the revenge thing"
"I don't think so. Only you knew that day that I was going to meet Josh in the washroom. I was with you just before meeting him"
"Yeah..but that doesn't prove anything Case"
"I don't believe you" Case said.
"Case come on it's our Ally. We have been best friends since forever" Mel finally spoke. I was glad to hear that she believed me. Case on the other hand just looked away. It was pretty clear she didn't trust me.
I got my laptop and switched it on.
"Here you can check whatever you want to" I said handing my laptop to Case.
She browsed through some folders. She opened a folder which I didn't know existed. She opened it and I was shocked when it was played. There in my laptop was the same video that was put up online featuring Case and Josh. I couldn't believe my eyes. Even Mel looked shocked.
"I... I..don't know how it got there" I said not being able to look into their eyes.
"Come on Alice now don't say someone had put it here. Your laptop is password protected and no one knows it except us" Case said.
She was right. No one knew it except us. Not even Jake.
I was quiet. I didn't know what to say. I felt ashamed even though I didn't do it.
"I seriously didn't..do..thi..this guys" I stammered as a tear rolled down my eyes.
"You know I wanted the culprit to payback but maybe you got your reward. Today I break all ties from you Alice Mayor" Case announced.
Mel and I both looked at her with wide eyes. My tears started flowing freely.
"Don't cry Alice. You just lost a best friend. At least you have your respect because I'm not going to tell anyone anything. I am at the losing end. I lost both." She said as her eyes brimmed with tears.
Case walked out of my house and Mel followed her silently. I didn't have the courage to stop her. Maybe she doesn't believe me too.
I sank to the ground and cried my lungs out. I didn't believe this was actually happening. I called Jake and told him everything. Within minutes my doorbell rang.
"Hey don't cry baby" Jake entered and hugged me.
"I... I did.. didn't..do it... Jake" I sobbed in his arms.
"I know baby. You cannot do it"
"But...the..they...thi.. think that I...I..did it"
"Hey shh. It will all be alright"
He lifted me carried me to the couch.
After few hours of lying down with him made me feel better. I was still hurt but the tears had stopped.
"How will I make them believe me?" I asked looking up.
"We will do it but not now. Final exams are in ten days. You need to concentrate on it first"
"But how will.."
"No buts. First clear your exams then we both will find out a way"
I just nodded my head. I didn't know how will I be able to concentrate at all.
Jake made some coffee and sandwiches and by the time he left I felt a lot better.
I changed my laptop's password because it was clear that somebody knows it. Then I sat down to study. I was confident that Jake will definitely find out a way and then everything will be fine again. He will make everything fine again.
I was studying when my phone rang. It was Mel. I immediately picked up.
"Hey" I said in a low tone.
"I'm sorry Ally I left just like that but I felt that she needed someone. You know how she becomes when she is hurt. I couldn't leave her alone" Mel said.
"You did the right thing Mel"
"How are you?"
"I don't know Mel. Do you even feel that I did it?"
"No Ally. I trust you and I know Case will also see this. Give her time. Right now she is troubled and hence she cannot see things clearly"
"I hope so"
"Yes am sure"
We talked a while about the upcoming exams and what to study and what not to as there were only few days left.
After that I continued studying so that my mind remains diverted.
I skipped dinner. I told mom everything and even she assured me that things will change after exams. We all are stressed right now due to which we aren't thinking properly.
I lay down on my bed replaying the events that happened. It still seemed surreal. Is it so easy to break such a long friendship so fast? I cannot blame Case for it. Whatever I am feeling right now she must be going through even worse. I could never imagine passing out without getting the awards and credits I deserved. I was still thinking when my phone buzzed. It was Max.
Max- hey how is everything?