Classmates

Chapter 12 - I am innocent, Helena.

"Come on Roger, everyone's waiting," Helena said irritably.

"This accident with Alan, it's not about any challenge," Roger said, lying. "Hilton, Pamela and I decided to go back to the pool, and by the time we saw it, it was Alan jumping on the trampoline and falling into the pool. And everyone knows he's afraid of heights, but, he did. We did not have time to stop him.

Helena was staring at Roger in disbelief.

"I do not believe you," Helena said categorically. "You know what I think?" That really Alan fell off the trampoline towards the pool, because someone pushed him, because of that ridiculous challenge that was imposed on him. You pushed it, did not you, Roger?

"I've already said that this is not a challenge at all," Roger said, looking down at Helena. "And much less that I pushed him, I'm innocent, Helena.

"That's what we'll see when Alan wakes up," Helena said, looking at Roger with disdain. "Because I sincerely hope Alan recovers as quickly as possible. And when he tells us the truth, we'll know if you really are innocent, Roger.

Gradually the students left and the same afternoon everyone knew that the student Alan is in an induced coma because he suffered some concussions.

Monday, April 10, 1972.

On that day, in college, during class breaks, Roger, Pamela, and Hilton talked with the coordinators and the rectory about what had happened to Alan. Both Roger and Pamela and Hilton said they only saw Alan jumping off the trampoline and falling into the pool. A police investigator was present and the three also gave testimony to the investigator, speaking the same version.

"The police will investigate this case," said the investigator. "We're accompanying Alan to the hospital, too. As soon as he gets out of the induced coma, we'll talk to him.

After Hilton, Roger and Pamela left the rectory room and headed for the college courtyard, many students whispered among themselves and others, Roger's group supported him, knowing he had nothing to do.

"Can you tell who pushed Alan?" Roger asked irritably. "I asked him not to be pushed.

"Roger, both Hilton and I did not push Alan," Pamela said. "He certainly got off balance.

"You know what happens now, Pamela and Hilton?" Roger asked worriedly looking at them. "If Alan wakes up and says everything to the police, we're really screwed, even though I did not push Alan, even though I'm innocent I could be arrested, you too can be arrested and you know why?" Because he will say about the damned challenge that was imposed on him.

"That will not happen, Roger, so we did not push him," Pamela said worriedly. "Alan can not blame us, and it's not our fault at all.

"We'd better stop discussing this here, because a lot of students are watching us, including Helena," Hilton called.

Roger and Pamela stopped arguing, but all three were already worried.

"What is it that Roger talks to both Hilton and Pamela?" Are you confessing your guilt for Alan being in the hospital? Helena asked scornfully to Vivian.

"I do not know, Lena, but the impression I have is that Roger really is innocent, that he is not to blame," Vivian said.

Roger commented to Freddie, Brian and John about what had happened the last few days at Imperial College and his friends and bandmates were worried because they said that Roger really can be arrested, even though he is innocent, I have not pushed Alan.

"You were inconsequential, Roger," Brian said worriedly. "You must stop urgently walking with people with no character, like Hilton and Pamela, now I realize they do not pay. You should stop being with Pamela, she is bad-influence for you.

"I also agree with Bri," John commented. "I expect from the bottom of my heart that Alan gets out of the induced coma, that he really tells what happened and that he's innocent of you, Rog.

"Otherwise, dear Rog, you'll be arrested, and QUEEN might end, all for your inconsequential act," Freddie said exasperatedly.

Roger sat on the couch and closed his eyes and tears fell on his face.

"I'm completely sorry," said the blonde. "What will happen to me from now on?"

To be continued.