#3 Young and Reckless in Chicago

Chapter 33: She's Already Gone

Skylar looked done at her backpack, which was stuffed to the brim with new school supplies. She was all ready for her first day of her sophomore year, but she was dreading it.

"Skye! Audrey's here!" called Corin, shuffling around downstairs.

Skylar and Audrey Stone were close friends. Audrey was the daughter of Anna Valdez and Peter Stone. Her older brother Ryan, was a senior at Chicago High while Audrey was a junior. Skylar was catching rides with her now instead of dealing with the tortures of the school bus.

Skylar came jogging downstairs, backpack slung over her shoulder. She waved goodbye to her mom before opening the front door.

"Bye dad!" she yelled, knowing he was in the kitchen.

"Bye baby girl!" Kelly cried back as he poured himself a travel mug of coffee.

Skylar shut the door behind her and climbed into Audrey's little buggie. Audrey flashed her a smile before driving off.

"So, how are you doing?" asked Audrey as she kept her eyes on the road.

"I'm fine," lied Skylar in a phony cheerful voice.

"Yeah right. You can't pull that crap with me."

"School hasn't even started yet and the bullying is already horrific. It's all online, so I can't escape it!"

"Skye... I think it's time to go after those guys."

"No! I don't need to put my family through that. We're finally all out back together again."

"What about you Skye?! You're going through this! And alone at that! I'm worried about you. A person can only take so much on their own."

"Well it's a good thing I'm pretty damn strong."

"Have you told anyone besides me?" sighed Audrey, feeling defeated.

"My Aunt Erin knows but she swore to me that she wouldn't do or say anything. I trust her," replied Skylar, looking out the window as tears filled her eyes.

"What about Carson?"

"I didn't tell him. I don't want to hurt him or... lose him."

"Oh Skylar... Carson isn't going anywhere."

"How do you know?!" shouted Skylar as she threw her hands in the air, "We're two 15 year old Audrey!"

"Fine. Fine. Just... I'm here okay? If the harrassment or the thoughts get to be too much, I'm here."

"Thank you."

Audrey pulled into the parking lot and unlocked the doors. Skylar quickly got out, not saying a word. Audrey slumped back in her seat, worried. That's when she spotted Skylar's phone in it's purple case laying on the floor of the car. She bent over, picking it up. Audrey knew she shouldn't snoop, but she was worried about her friend. Luckily, Skylar didn't have a lock so Audrey was able to get right in. She scrolled through all Skylar's texts and private messages to see horrible things. Kids weren't just cyberbullying her, they were harrasing her. Multiple messages called her a whore and said that she should just go kill herself. Audrey was shell shocked at what her close friend had been dealing with. She turned off the phone and jammed it in her pocket, getting out of her car. Once Audrey was inside she walked up to Skylar and handed her the phone. Skylar thanked her before Audrey walked off, heading to class.

"What was that about?" asked Carly as she shut her own locker.

"Eh nothing. Just got into a little arguement. It'll be fine. How's Carson?" asked Skylar, worried about her boyfriend.

"He's been kinda upset lately. Have you two talked since your little freak out at the reception?" asked Carly, leaning against her locker.

"We texted each other saying hi and stuff. I've been busy lately with back to school stuff."

"Just talk to him soon. He's getting worried."

"Yeah of course."

Skylar faked a smile and walked down the hallway to her class. No way paid her a second glance, yet no one knew what going on inside her head.

The school day seemed to drag on for Skylar, but now she was free. She said goodbye to Carly at her locker before heading out to Audrey's car. There was no way was gonna watch the football practice and wait for Owen. Audrey smiled at her as Skylar climbed into the car. No words were exchanged the entire ride back to the Severide house hold. When they finally arrived Audrey locked Skylar in so she had to listen.

"You can be mad at me, but not matter what you're gonna listen to me. You're shutting down Skylar! The bullying, the insults, the flashbacks... I can see they're tearing you apart. You need to tell someone so they can put a stop to it, so people know the truth! I just want you to be happy," lectered Audrey, facing Skylar.

"You want me to be happy?" rudely questioned Skylar, recieving a nod from Audrey, "Well then let me out."

Audrey couldn't believe that her sweet, badass friend Skylar was taken away by this depressed and mad person. Skylar slammed the car door behind her and disappeared into her house. As Audrey drove away we called someone.

"Hey Carly. It's me."

Inside the house was vacant. Skylar knew Cass was staying after school for french club, Alex had football practice, and Kristen was going to a friend's house. Her parents wouldn't be home till five, she was all alone. She threw her backpack on her floor and snatched a notebook off her nightstand. She picked up her pen and began to write. Tears fell onto the crisp white paper.

To the people I love,

I'm sorry. Mom, dad, I'm sorry I'm such a terrible daughter. I cause you two so much trouble and you don't deserve it. Alex watch over Cassandra and Kristen for me, keep them safe. Especially protect them from dumb jocks. It's too late for you to keep me safe. Carles I love you, your my best friend and I'm sorry I was a such a bad friend to you. You deserve better. Tell Carson I love him and never meant to hurt him. He is the love of my life and I'll never forget him. Audrey thanks for trying. Tell the kids at school that they did this, let them feel guilty for the pain they caused. Auntie Erin thanks for everything, but I just can't fight anymore. I'm sorry. Me being here hurts now hurt more than it helps. Only bad things happen to me, I just need that to stop.

Her suicide note. That's what Skylar wrote. She laid the tear stained letter on her bed and picked up her phone. She examined the her purple case before dialing the number she memorized. The voicemail beeped, signalling her to speak.

"Hey, it's me. I'm sorry for being a horrible girlfriend to you. The girl you were dating is gone, she's been gone since that dreadful accident in the locker room. I love you Carson James Rhodes and I always will. I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you. But that girl you like? She's gone."

The phone dropped into the bathtub she had climbed into, fully clothed. She let her eyes fall on her wrists, then to the razer blade in her hand. The water turned orange as blood flowed out of her body. Skylar cried, finally getting to escape the pain.