Dear Diary

f o u r t e e n

I pulled into the parking lot of the other high school in the area. Water Lilly Secondary School. Pretty. It seemed like the type of school a girl like Ari would go to. Well, I think. I don't actually know her.

I found the office, knocked once, and then entered. The secretary was another girl. She looked to be about mid-thirties, and she gave me a warm smile when I entered. Much nicer than Mrs. Frederickton.

"Hello, how may I help you?" she asked. Mrs. Bliss. Cheerful name.

"Hi, is there a Mr. Pop here by any chance?" I inquired, playing with the sleeves of my sweater.

Mrs. Bliss nodded. "Yes, there is. He's the science teacher."

I couldn't help but smile. I was one step closer to finding Ari.

"Is there a girl here by the name of Ari, then?"

Mrs. Bliss looked at me curiously. "Yes."

"May I speak to her?"

"Who are you?"

"Niall Horan. May I speak to Ari?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Horan, but she doesn't attend school anymore," she said apologetically.

I have her a confused look. It was only April; she couldn't have graduated already. Unless she moved? I really hope she didn't move.

"Where is she?"

"That is classified information, sir, I apologize."

I frowned.

"I'm surprised you don't know, actually," Mrs. Bliss commented, cocking her head to the side. "It was on the news when it happened."

"When what happened? When did it happen?"

"Last week," she answered.

"I don't watch the news," I said. "Well, sorry for wasting your time."

"It's quite alright," she responded. She looked like she was examining me. "Have I seen you before? I swear I've seen you before."

"It's most likely a coincidence," I said dismissively. I nodded at her before leaving.

So Ari did attend that school. Then what? Apparently it was on the news... Oh, her suicide. I'm an idiot.

My heart dropped. That meant she was already dead. I was too late.

I rested my head against my seat and closed my eyes. Her image appeared in my head almost instantly.

I still needed to find her. Which graveyard she was buried in, and then maybe I'd reunite her with her diary.

Or maybe I'd keep it. As a souvenir.

No, that just seems weird.

This is all weird.