Keeping Up Appearances

*Breaking News*

6 dead and 12 wounded at the Jemenson High School, Pennsilvania.

The mass murderer is believed to be a Mr.Cody Heams, who is a student at the school. He is also the son of the mayor in the town.

The vice principal of the school had this to say, " What happened here today was a tragedy, a downright tragedy. The students are very distraught. Cody was a very disturbed young boy who took his anger out on innocent lives. We can't imagine what the parents and family of the 6 deceased are going through at this time. It is a very sad day for Jemenson High."

It is believed that one of the 6 who died today was not shot by Mr.Heams, however was trampled on by a crowd of students fleeing the area of Mr.Heams. An eyewitness states,

"The gun came out of nowhere. All I remember is hearing these shots and then there was screams. All of a sudden I'm being pushed by students running out the main door, all shouting. I run with them, afraid and confused.  I look back and I see students lying on the floor and thats when I see blood. I will never get that sight out of my mind."

The parents of Mr.Heams would not comment but a spokesman for the family said they are going through a very difficult time and would appreciate privacy. The mayor's office has been also silent, except for extending their condolences to the 6 families.  Mr.Heams younger sister who also attends Jemenson High, was seen at the memorial service for the 6 dead but would not comment. The mayor's position is not looking good in this coming elections.

Updates of this tragic story will be posted.

******

They know. They know. Oh and They definitely know. I silently pointed out all the people that I am convinced know about me.

I dragged my suitcase close behind me, searching the crowd for any familar face.

I felt as if everyone here was staring at me. I know they aren't but if they knew my name they would be. Hell if they even saw my face properly they would recognise me. My family was international news.

"Ebony! Ebony! Over here!" I saw a middle aged woman jump up and down with her hands flinging in the air. A younger girl around 6 years of age and an older boy around my age stood beside her, he looked incredibly bored. I assumed they were the peoppe I was supposed to meet.

I wheeled my suitcase over to them, trying my best to keep my face shielded.

"Ebony Heams?" The woman asked, a large excited smile on her face. I almost grimaced when she said my surname. There is only shame and bad memories associated with that name now.

I swallowed hard and slowly nodded my head, hoping no one was listening. 

"Excellent." She grabbed my hand and shook it, "I'm Alisha Stone and this is my daughter Ella and my son Mason." She beemed her brightest smile as if  she was showing of her proudest achievements.

Mason gave an uninterested nodd before dropping eye contact and stared into the distance. Wow he sounds like a right hoot. He probably knew all about me and my sick family.

"Hi I'm Ella" The little girl tugged on the hem of my shirt, "Guess what? I lost a tooth last night and I got 5 dollars." The little girl smiled widely,  revealing the gap in her teeth.

I smiled back, not really sure how to talk with children.  I was the youngest.

"Ella nobody cares." Mason whined.

Ella stuck out her tongue and crossed her arms.

"Children." Alisha gave both of them a stern look before turning towards me, "Lets go back to the car, huh? I'm sure you're in need of a good nights rest. Mason can carry your bag." She said, grabbing Ella's hand and leading us outside.

I handed Mason the bag and he gave a sarcastic thank you. He would atleast pretended he didn't hate me. As I followed Alisha out the main door, we were met by flashing lights and paparazzi shouting questions at me. Alisha put her arm around my shoulder and I rose my jacket to cover my face. She led us to the car that she had been waiting for us.

"Well what a great start. A real Florida welcome." Alisha half mumbled to herself once we were in the car. The driver drove off as soon as Mason got in.

"So Ebony, tell us about yourself.  Your mother says you're big into volleyball and cheerleading." Alisha tried to break the awkward car journey.

Trust my mother to tell her about them. I bet she forgot to mention how much I hate volleyball and would have liked cheerleading if it didn't contain all of those stuck up brats. I was only a memeber to keep up the 'perfect' status my family desperately tried to maintain.

I nodded absentmindly, warching the scenery unfold in front of my eyes. From the corner of my eye I could see Alisha's face drop, knowing she wasn't getting anywhere with me. I kind of felt bad for being so rude.  Most likely because proper 'company' manners have been drilled into me since day one and now it almost killed me not to partake in proper conversational skills.

"I like...books" I unintentionally blurted out. I knew I was a sucker for falling into old habits,  but the look on her face was too much, I had to keep the conversation.

A small smile appeared on Alisha's face and even Mason looked at me, the edges of his mouth rising by just a millimetre. Almost too small for me to notice,  but I did.

"Well you're going to love it here. We have a very large library. Endless collections." Alsiha clapped her hands slightly,  looking off into the distance as if remembering a fond memory.  I smiled in return, fumbling with my sleeves.

Thankfully the house wasnt too far away and the awkwardness could end. Mason carried in my suitcase behind me and then walked ahead of us once we were inside, bringing the suitcase up a stairs.

The house was big, probably even a little bigger then my own house. I wasn't really surprised however, since I knew Alisha's husband was also a mayor and Alisha herself was a lawyer.

"Welcome to your new home. Why dont you follow Mason, he's taking your bag up to your room. He can show you around. I'm sorry sweetie but I have a meeting for a couple of hours but we will be having dinner at 7pm. If you need anything just ask Mason." Alisha said in one breath before kissing Ella on the forehead and waving goodbye to me.

Ella ran of into what appeared to be some playroom, leaving me alone in the hallway. Oh yeah Mason. I quickly ran up the stairs, hoping that I hadn't lost him. Unfortunately,  they had the kind of stairs that winded round and that you couldn't see what's around the corner as you go up. So naturally I do the most embarrassing thing and run flat into the back of Mason as he drags up my suitcase. As disturbing as it sounds, my nose literally collided with his butt.

Mason sharply turned around with a scowl on his face. I raised my hands in defence, "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you!"

"If you wouldn't mind not smelling my ass, that would be great." Mason said sarcastically,however a small microscopic amused smile was on his face.

"Of course" I half whispered-half mumbled and continued following him up the stairs. He led me across and into a room.

It was actually pretty nice, the walls were a light green and the furniture was white. Mason placed the suitcase on top of the bed and stood there for a second, hands begind his shoulders.

"Well, see ya" he said awkwardly as he walked quickly out the room. What about my tour or even a 'need any help' or 'just call if you need anything'. He's treating me like this  because he knows. He knows and so does everyone else in this town. I don't want to go to school.

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