An Untold Secret

Chapter 9

   Walking to school is definitely not as fin as I was hoping so. I wanted to be excited about having two days left until graduation, and knowing that I had won the contest. I wanted to head to school in the morning with a smile on my face and the bright sun beating down on my back. But you don't always get what you want.

   This morning I was driven back home by a cab the hospital had called. I didn't even know this town had cabs. Instead of going to school I sulked and cried to there were no more tears left. I didn't go into mother's room. I sat against the wall staring at it, though. We were just starting to finally begin a better life. Where we knew we wouldn't have to move again. I have a good group of friends, too. I wonder if they know what happened. If not, I bet they're wondering why I missed most of the day yesterday and why I didn't come in today.

   Walking along on the sidewalk I look out in an open field to find the setting sun halfway gone across the horizon. The array of oranges and yellow set off a soft tone everywhere. The sky was also filled with colors; ranging from blues to pinks, and yellow to greens. One of nature's beautiful paintings.

   I see the school come into view and I slow down my pace. Am I ready to go into school? It's not like I have too. It's just some play, right? Sighing, I think back to all the excitement I had for this. For my work to be shown in front of everyone. I would spill it all out to mother almost every night. She would've wanted me to see it, and still go to graduation. It might be hard, but it's what she would've wanted me to do.

   I show my pass to one of the seniors at the desk. She nods and I head to the auditorium. They have a senior committee where they have to buy and sell tickets, and then clean up afterward. You're only in it if you didn't participate in the play in any way. If you do participate in some way you get in free. The tickets are cheap, but still...it's free. Free things are very good.

   As I pass by some lockers I hear a quiet gasp. I turn around to see Amelia and Rachel with wide eyes. They both run up to me and squeeze me in a death hug. Some may call it a bear hug, but my name suits it a little more.

   "C-can't bre-eath," I gasp out.

   "Sorry," they say in unison once they step back. They keep their mouth shut, but their eyes are full of wonder.

   "Go ahead," I claim.

   "Are you okay? How are you feeling? I heard what happened. I can't believe it. What are you gonna d-"

   "Lia!" I shout.

   Her hands fly over her mouth. "I was rambling wasn't I?" She asks looking at her sister. Rachel just slowly nods.

   "What my sister was trying to say is," she glances back at Amelia, "we heard what happened and are wondering why you're here."

   "One, thanks for going a lot slower." I could hear Amelia whisper sorry under her breath. "And two, yeah it hurts and it really sucks, but she would've wanted me here," I reply.

   "So?" Amelia butts back in. "I couldn't imagine going through something like that. If I were you I would be at home curled off balling my eyes out." The last remark gets a smack on the arm and a glare from Rachel.

   "It's okay Rachel. Amelia, I don't have any more tears to cry. Besides, everyone has their own way of grieving, I guess." I shrug my shoulders and keep heading to the auditorium. The girls quickly catch back up. With Lia to my left, and Rachel to my right.

   "I guess you're right," Lia mumbles.

   "Well, since your here we can talk about how we finally get to see your amazing work," Rachel exclaims, trying to brighten the mood.