grief // e.d

t.w.o

          Emaleia's POV

I take a deep breath as I shove my keys into my purse. I'm about to open my car door when I notice a few people near the entrance of the school crying and hugging. What the fuck is this about?

I'm nervous as hell for my first day here and the first thing I see is people crying. Great. That's a good sign.

I muster up enough courage, pull myself out of my car, shut the door behind me and check real quick to make sure it's locked. I smile empathetically as I pass the kids because I'm unsure of what else to do.

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You must be," the secretary looks down at the paper in her hands, "Emaleia Aarons."

"Yes that's me," I give her a quick nervous smile as I play with the hem of my sweatshirt.

She stops rustling with the papers around her and looks up to flash me a smile. "Don't be nervous, honey. This school has had a rough couple of days, but you will do fine."

"Is that why there is a group of students outside crying?"

She nods sadly, avoiding eye contact.

"One of our sophomores passed away over the weekend, Beatrice Fullers. You didn't hear about the accident, honey?"

"No, I just got into town yesterday." I tell her with wide eyes.

We're interrupted by the sound of the warning bell. I only had two minutes to get to my first class.

"You better get on your way, Emaleia. Here's your schedule," she hands me a bright blue paper, "today won't be a normal day," she sighs, "They're bringing in grief counselors to try and help the students cope with what happened." She tells me with a hand on my shoulder.

"Oh! Grayson, honey! Could you come here for a second?" She looks past me calling out to one of the students making their way through the halls.

He stops beside me, "Yes Mrs. Raine?"

"Could you please show Miss Aarons around? She is new and I know you both have first period together," she asks him, taking the bright blue paper out of my hand and showing him.

He gives her a half smile, "No problem."

We begin to walk away when Mrs. Raine suddenly calls Grayson back. I don't mean to listen, but I hear everything she says.

"Please give Ethan my condolences, and you too honey. How are you guys holding up?" She wraps him in a hug.

"We've been better." Grayson spits as he starts making his way towards me again. Was this about what she was telling me earlier? It had to of been.

I'm lost in thought as we're walking when I am suddenly snapped of it by Grayson.

He chuckles a bit, "What's your name?"