Glass Hearts

XVII

Roy

After I carefully laid Christine into her bed, swept her gorgeous hair aside, and kissed her check, I left her house. As I was leaving, I noticed the few crossed strewn within the building. I assumed that her family was religious. Well, I hope that it is true that her mom is up in heaven right now. Not like I could tell, but it would make things worse for Christine if it was any different.

I walked around town, taking the long scenic route. I passed multiple shops, seeing some beautiful things, some ugly things. Nothing particularly caught my eye. Shop keepers called out to me, I ignored them. Tourists or shoppers tried to get my attention, I ignored them. It was the nicest part of town, so I didn't worry much, but I didn't feel like I belonged. I have a reputation, lots of people fear me. Mostly closer to my home, but word can pass quickly through some grapevines.

As I was walking along the crowed street, a store caught my eye. Not the store in particular, but what was in the window. I casually walked over and looked in. The most beautiful prayer box sat on display. The cross was painted a caramel-like color, one that reminded me of Christine. It forced me to smile. I texted my cousin, telling him I was borrowing money off of him later. I entered the store and purchased the prayer box.

I left, feeling a small bit of excitement in my heart.

Christine

Apparently, Roy had carried me home, he was unable to awake me. He tucked me into my bed and swiftly left. At least, that's what the text he sent me this morning told. I yawned, and tried to tame the monster that was my matted hair. It took me a quarter of an hour to get it brushed completely. What a pain.

I slid on freshly washed clothes, which I loved the smell of. My favorite blanket can hold the smell of our soap so well, it's magical, and I just love cuddling up into it and taking a deep sniff. I exited my room into the hall and paused, looking into what once was my mother's room. I felt my heart breaking once again. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I didn't dare let them fall. I wiped them away before the floodgates would crumble open.

I rode my bike to school for a change, sweat beading down my forehead as I locked my bike at school. Exercise helped clear my mind, and helped me focus on other things. Like breathing, or not hitting the old man crossing the street. Once I try to fix my hair a little, I waltz in through the gates to school. I'm a little shocked to see everyone, Roy, Matty, Sarah, Alice, Emily, and Joseph, standing in a huddle. Their facial expressions tell me something isn't right. Once they see me, their faces drop even more. Guilt pricks at my back, I avert my eyes away. Too ashamed to look at them anymore, even when I didn't how or why I was guilty.

Sarah comes sprinting at me first, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. She hugs me ever so tightly, I can barely breathe, and desperately asks, "Why didn't you tell me?!"

Her question sends me aback. My mouth hangs open, the answer isn't on the tip of my tongue. I don't have the answer at all, "Tell you... Tell you what?"

"That your mom died!" She nearly screams. Her words cut into me deeply. I'm left without breath. I don't think I'm breathing anymore. I don't think I'm awake anymore. I don't think I'm alive anymore.

I don't return to reality until Roy wraps his arm around my shoulder. All I can mutter is, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Very quietly. I'm stuck on a cycle, like a broken computer. I'm failing to solve the problem, and now caught on an endless loop. Tears streak down my cheeks and wash away my smile, wash away any chance I have of a good day.