Lilly In The Storm

Chapter Seven

       As our car slowly approaches the school parking lot, I feel my hands become sweaty and my heart beating faster than usual. Will my friends still want to hang out with me? Do they realize what Gabe is truly doing? Yesterday they didn't take any sides, but now they've had time to think it over more. When I look out the window toward the tree, Hannah is standing there waiting as we do everyday. By studying her face it seems like any other day of the week, she may have decided to take my side on this.

       The car comes to a stop in one of the spaces as I wish that I could have even one more time around the block to delay having to face my friends. Jezz and I open the doors as my parents are saying their goodbyes to us. After telling them over and over they have finally started saying goodbye to Jezz without me reminding them. I'm glad they are finally welcoming Jezz but I don't have to tell them to say goodbye to my other friends. What makes Jezz any different?

      Jezz and I walk straight for the bench as oppose to the usual spot by the tree. This is our way of getting answers after what happened with Gabe. Do they still want me in the group? If nobody leaves the tree to see how I'm doing, we have our answer. My breathing gets heavier with each second that Hannah doesn't walk over to me. Even though she is always fine with me sitting on the bench there has never been a time where she didn't come to check up on me.

       Hannah faces toward the parking lot. When she sees my parents drive off, I see her begin scan the playground area and stop at the bench where Jezz and I are sitting. She waves when she sees me and begins to run over to us. I knew she would, I've always trusted Hannah. In that sense, I don't care what Jezz and Zero have to say, I know Hannah is my friend forever.

       While Hannah is running over to us, Jezz leans in and whispers in my ear. "Careful." The word echoes in my head, more than one voice says it. I can hear Zero and Jezz repeating it to me. Their whispers are airy and almost whimsical, as if the wind was speaking to me. The word continues over and over again until I speak up.

       I tense up. "Careful of what?" I ask.

       Her voice and Zero's go crazy. Saying things like "She might be dangerous. She could leave you." and "Lilly, don't be so gullible!" Jezz faces toward me with her face as hard as stone glaring at me.

       I put my hands over my face in an attempt to escape the chaos. Jezz's face returns to a smile and the whispers cease to exist. The world is almost deathly silent in comparison to the voices that were loudly whispering just moments before. Jezz pulls me into a small side hug, like a parent does to calm a child after they've been punished for a bad deed.

       Hannah reaches the bench and leans down in front of it as she pants from all the running. She whips her hair behind her shoulder after standing up straight again. "Hey Lilly! Did you forget about the tree again?" She asks.

       Should I tell her the truth? She could be mad, but it could also mean someone else who understands me. "Oh, I just wanted to see if you would come get me if I didn't go to the tree, I wasn't sure if I was wanted anymore after what happened with Gabe."

       She tilts her head. A few seconds go by until she nods her head. "I'll always be your friend Lilly. Besides, I met Gabe from being your friend. So, if I'm going to be anyone's friend it's you."

       I smile at her. "Thanks Hannah." I get up off the bench and give her a hug.

       Jezz puts her head down to face the ground. "Stupid." She mumbles

       Hannah and I walk over to the tree to wait for the rest of the group. I see Gabe's car pull up in the parking lot. Hannah looks at me as I watch him. Gabe gets out of the car and looks over at the tree. He starts to walk in the direction of the tree, which came as a shock to me. His eyes meet mine so I shoot him a glare to stop him from coming any closer. He changes his direction to walk to the playground. I see him start playing with another friend of his. I look at Hannah and just shrug, we don't need him.