Downfallers: Marcia Skirvin's Melancholy

Chapter Eleven: The storm

I brought her to the hospital. I didn't stay there. I figured she got what she deserved. I walked out of the building and went home.

A whole week passed before I could get a glimpse of Marcia. I saw her out of the corner of my eye as I was walking out of the cafe. She was on the harbour quay talking to Niobe. The wind had blown hard all week, and the water made little waves that hit the docks and the boats. I was thankfully wearing a coat. I noticed that Marcia had her arm in a sling and her other arm was raised, moving widely around. Niobe was just standing there, her arms crossed in a judgmental posture. Marcia was probably asking her to forgive her and Niobe knew well enough to refuse. They both began to yell and walk in a circle. They saw me as I tried to escape the scene slowly. Niobe waved, but Marcia avoided my gaze. Did she know about the spear? Or was that a sign that Niobe was right about her? I walked up to them and stopped three meters away.

''What are you doing?'' I asked innocently.

''I was trying to tell Marcia that she should leave you alone. She only causes pain to others.''

''You liar! Are you just using her now? I thought you would change, but I guess you didn't!''

''I'm the one lying? You abandoned me; you treated me like an enemy when I came back. Now, you're just doing it to her!''

Marcia clenched her teeth and looked furiously at the other downfaller.

''Why do you think I did that to you? You were supposed to look after my sister! You were partners, but you let her down, and now she's fucking insane! I hate you! Every time I see you, I feel like a failure! I wish to go back to being dead, so she doesn't have to suffer like this!'' she screamed out, her face red and clutching her fist.

Niobe backed away, clearly shocked. I was also surprised. I had never seen her lose it like this. Marcia looked away, swallowing with difficulty.

''I have all the reasons for pushing you away. Please, can't you understand that it's also for your good?''

Niobe slowly began to recover her senses. She gulped and smiled uncomfortably.

''Two minutes ago you were begging me to stay!''

''Stop lying, Niobe. Stop using Sara as a decoy for your stupid revenge plan. Just... let me be. Please.''

Niobe backed out, putting her hand on her chest. She looked horrified.

''You think that I'm using Sara like I have no morals? How dare you! At least I can say that I care for her! I would never be such a bitch!''

''Niobe, that's enough! I know what you're feeling, but for now, please leave this town. You can come back in a month as I told you the last time we met.''

''I never want to talk to you again, you filthy liar!''

''I'm sorry for what I did! But my feelings for you didn't change. Please, for your good, you should forget me.''

''Your feelings? For her?'' I exclaimed, confused.

My mind was racing pretty fast now. I knew I couldn't trust Marcia, but after her last remark, Niobe looked shocked, and a couple of emotions crossed her face. What was going on? What did Marcia mean? Niobe had feelings for Marcia, and she knew? Was that why she came back? I walked to the Asian girl and put my hand on her shoulder. She shrugged me off and glared at me.

''What do you want?''

I backed off, surprised.

''Um, to help you? What's wrong?''

''Get out of here,'' she mumbled.

I didn't understand anything now. Why was she being mean all of a sudden? I thought we were on the same side! I kept my distance in case she reacted badly. Maybe she was upset because of what Marcia said. The latter was standing there, looking at us. A strong gust of wind blew on the quay and made it tremble. My hair was flying around, blinding me. I had never experienced something as strong as that. I managed to hold them tight to be able to see. Marcia was petrified on the spot, her eyes wide open and a strong mask of fear on her face. She was looking behind Niobe, who was slowly raising her head and glaring at me.