What About Us?

Chapter 23

Teddy

I was having an amazing day.

My public speaking teacher caught a stomach bug, leading to my early morning class being cancelled. My history class didn't suck, the weather was beautiful, and Jacob hung out with me in the library while Melisa worked on her homework. We created a new game with balls of crumpled up paper and the small trashcan. And despite one arm in a sling, he was still beating me

It was a pretty good day despite Maria's recent disappearance.

Maria had been released from the infirmary a week or two ago. About 4 days ago she went missing without a trace. I've been livid, but today seems to be saying 'it's going to be alright.'

Jacob and I were just setting up for another round of Death Ball (that's what we call it, though the game is not violent at all) when Charlie appeared.

"Teddy, I need to talk with you. Outside."

"Is everything ok?"

He didn't answer.

"I better go see how Melisa is doing and get my own work done. See you guys later." Jacob said. He grabbed his bag and walked off.

Charlie took my hand and pulled me outside and around the building.

"Is everything ok?" I asked again.

He still didn't answer. Instead he pulled me into a bone crushing hug.

"They found a body. A 12-year-old girl in the woods beyond campus." He said. "They don't know if it is her. They need you to come identify the body. Teddy . . . I'm so sorry."

"You're lying. She's going to come walking up behind us and surprise me." I whispered trying to convince myself.

"I wish."

"It could be someone else." I suggested. I pushed back my tears and looked up at Charlie.

"It could be."

<*>

We were silent on the ride there.

When we arrived at the morgue, I was led into a small room with a table in the center. I forced Charlie to wait outside for me.

The room was cold and empty except for the table. There was a white sheet covering, what I assumed to be, a body.

A mortician entered after me and lead me over to the table.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

I nodded silently.

"If it is her, just nod your head." He explained

"Ok." I said and took a deep breath

The mortician gripped the end of the sheet and carefully pulled it down to reveal Maria's face.

It was ashen and dark. All the color of life had been drained from her and there was a hole in her forehead.

I squeezed my eyes shut and nodded.

I heard him cover her again and I was led out of the room. Charlie was waiting just outside.

"Was it her?" He asked. I refused to answer.

I walked outside and back to the car. I climbed in and buried my head in my hands.

I heard Charlie's door open and slam shut. Then there was a gently hand on my shoulder.