Call Me Crazy

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Five days later, and half of the school was absent for the dead girl's funeral. I was still in, as I had no reason to go, but could not bring myself to do any work. My sister sat on the floor beside me, tears trailing down her cheeks, as she mourned for the unknown girl's short life.

The cause of death had been revealed a few days ago.

We were told by the doctors that she died of a heart attack but they didn't tell us exactly what had brought it on. And she was so young. So innocent. Sad that nobody had even recognized her the day it happened.

I didn't understand why Maddie was so upset. She hadn't even known the girl and she was sat weeping over it. I wasn't going to let it faze me though because I was having a great week and nothing would bring me down. Especially after dinner with my boyfriend the night the girl had died.

He had been so sweet about the whole thing, and didn't try to distract me, just let me deal with it, comforting me if I cried, buying me a slice of chocolate cake when I was finally hungry. We barely spoke, but James was always by my side, pulling me close in the small, personal booth. He kissed me on the forehead occasionally, and took me back home after I had eaten a bit, laying me gently on my bed and kissing me goodnight. I was lucky to have him.

I'd never loved anyone as much I loved him. He wasn't just a boyfriend, he was my best friend.

I glanced down at my phone for the third time in the last minute to check if he'd texted me back yet. Nothing. I sighed and stuffed it back into my pocket.

"Claire," Maddie sniffed, wiping tears from under her eyes. "If I ever had a heart attack would you save me before I'd... gone." So that's what she was upset about!

"Of course," I replied and knelt down beside her. "Nothing could keep me from you."

She hugged me tightly. I stroked her hair, in no hurry to break our connection. We had been close ever since our ill mother had died from breast cancer when she was eight, but in the last few months, she had become more than a sister to me. Now, she was a friend. I didn't even want to consider the possibility that my little sister could leave me. Even briefly, I couldn't stand the thought. I pulled her tiny body closer, protecting her against all of the harm in the world.

"Um, Claire," Bruno murmured. "I think Maddie should be getting to her lessons now, the bell just went and all the students are back from the funeral."

"Alright." I gave Maddie one last hug and kissed her forehead before leading her to the door. I was about to leave as well but Bruno latched onto my arm and pulled me back into the classroom.

"There's a guy outside asking for you," Bruno informed me. James, I thought instantly. "I think his name was um... Joshua, says he's your boyfriend?"

"Oh," I sighed. Not this again.

I stormed outside, slamming doors and scattering frightened children. I had had enough of him! Sure, Josh used to be a close friend, but since he had confessed his love for me, nothing was the same. He knew I was in love with James, but still he chased me. I would never love him; he was cold, distant, and never present enough to get really close to.

He was waiting outside with a bouquet of flowers, his icy blue eyes partly hidden behind his straight black hair. He smiled distantly as I approached him.

"Hey," He grunted, holding out the flowers.

"For fucks sake Josh!" I stormed. "I thought you'd given up. I thought you understood how I feel about you. You can't just show up to my work place with a bunch of cheap flowers!" I was aware that I was beginning to attract attention.