What Remains of Elizabeth Clove | COMPLETED & IN EDITING

Chapter 12

Max, I have something for you. It's not here, in this notebook, or in my piles of junk in my room. It's something you know well. Here, I'll give you hint. Cue the mysterious music!

You will find me in a place, where there  is no time, where there is no space. Where you shall find me has a head but never talks, has legs but cannot walk, a bed but never sleeps, and a mouth that cannot eat.

You can thank Fiona for that one, although she's not aware that she helped, as usual, so you can't cheat. Sorry.

LOL I just shrugged, not that you could see. Doesn't matter anyway.

Look,  I know you Max. You'll overthink it, and think of the most complex way to solve this riddle, so don't. The only reason I'm actually writing this riddle for this thing is that it's very, very important, and if this notebook falls into the wrong hands, well, then I'd be screwed, or rather, my reputation would be. And we can't have that now, can we? Please. Find the thing. It'll expl-

The rest was cut off. "No!" I cried, flipping through the blank pages that remained, searching desperately for some sign that there was more to be read. It couldn't be done, not now, not then, not ever. Shaking, I set it down, trying to calm myself in order to get ready for the dance I never wanted to go to in the first place.

I was reliving that night, over and over in my head. The lights, the music, and the  k i s s. I couldn't get it out of my head. The notebook had surfaced memories I so desperately wanted to forget. It seemed that's all it was good for these days.

This homecoming, I rebelled. Black was the color I wore tonight, as I was mourning a relationship long lost. For the finishing touch, I added a streak of light blue hair dye, which had been Liz's favorite color, into my hair, the only color that was on my body that night.

Grinning wickedly at the result, I stepped out of my room, my heels clicking against the wood. My mother glared silently at me as she snapped another emotionless photo to stick on christmas cards. Absentmindedly, I kissed both of my parents, and drove off, Liz's puzzle playing over and over in my mind.

Cam was waiting for me at the door, and I swore for a split second my mind had seen Liz standing there next to him, but it was actually Fiona. "You okay?" Cam asked me quietly as we walked inside, Cam's arm linked into Fiona's. "You look...lost.." I nodded. 'Did Liz ever have something she carried around, or wore?" I asked suddenly after a brief moment of silence. "No." Fiona said. "But if I think of something, I'll make sure to let you know." She smiled at me. "Now, I'd love to stay and help you, but I believe that Cameron owes me a dance.." She smirked at him, dragging him into the dancing crowd. Smiling apologetically, Cam waved at me as I went toward the bleachers. I felt as if I had been in a similar situation like this before, but only this time, there was no princess in shining armor to save me.
"I like what you've done with the hair." Victoria's cold but soft voice said in front of me, filling my brain with negative thoughts. "Adds a bit of color and personality to that plain and boring brown hair of yours, don't you think?" I rolled my eyes. "Hello to you too Victoria.." I said, wanting to avoid conflict and drama. "Can I help you?" I sat my chin on my hand, propping it up on my knee as I glanced up at her. I have to admit, she looked stunning. The way her red dress made her eyes stand out was incredible. "No, but I can help you." She sat next to me. "Look, I overheard you and your friends coming in," She started explaining. "Liz had this locket that she always wore to my parties." Victoria smiled, as if she was happy she knew something I didn't. "Thanks, Victoria." I said unenthusiastically. "Hey Maximum." Chase said from behind her, and my eyes widened as he spoke, memories cutting through my reality.

The flash of metal whenever we kissed, whenever we touched.

The bridge.

The locket.

The river.

It all made sense.

"I have to go." I said, my voice glazed over. "Wait what?" Chase said, blocking my path. "The dance just started!" Everyone was staring at us, by which I mostly mean me. "Chase, get out of my way." I hissed, shoving him to the ground as I stepped closer to him." There was an audible collective gasp heard throughout the auditorium. "I said I had to go." I spat at him, running out of the gym. I could hear my friend and Victoria chasing after me, but I couldn't stop. I had to make it to Byer's Bridge.

I can't believe I considered Victoria to be my friend.

Standing at the edge of the bridge, my heart was was beating out of my chest. I needed to know if the answers I so desperately needed were at the bottom of this cursed river. This exact river had killed Elizabeth Clove.

I spotted it. The golden chain, with a small pendant attached to it. The answers were one jump away. The were finally within reach. Kicking off my shoes, I stood on the railing, ready to take the plunge.

"Max!" Cam's voice filled the silent air, and I could see that his eyes were filled with tears. "Don't do it."

I didn't even realize that tears had been falling down my own cheeks until one splashed into the water below me.

"I'm sorry."

Then I jumped, the last thing I had felt being my hands clasping around the locket's chain, before my world went dark, and I died.

At least, that's what I think happened.

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