The Day I Died

The Day I Danced

Chapter 17

The Day I Danced

Lets just say that Liam's dad was not impressed. He thought that Liam was either having a mental breakdown or had been taking drugs.

Maisie seemed to find it hilarious though. (So did I.)

So as punishment, he sent him to his room, grounded him for 24 hours (Pfft, that's hardly anything!) told him that during the next week, he must re-paint Maisie's room and Liam is not allowed to eat popcorn for the remainder of his life.

Which is why, at 11:45 in the morning, Liam is sulking in his room. He's been on his computer for 2 hours, leaving me very bored and very annoyed.

"So. What are we going to do today?" I ask, glancing at my wrist.

10 days to go.

It seems so far away.

Yet so close.

*Emotional Moment*

Liam shrugs and I roll my eyes.

"What can we do?.... What can we do...? What can we do?" I repeat, racking my brains for ideas.

I sit crossed legged in front of the mirror and frown.

Oh right, no reflection.

Great.

"I'm so bored! This is so booooring.."

"Shut up! I'm busy, okay? I'm not here to entertain you!"

I look up. "Okay Mr.Grumpy. Ill go and see how my parents are doing. If they've planned my funeral and such."

"It was yesterday."

I look at him, confused. "What?"

"Your funeral was yesterday."

I look down, becoming a little angry

"Why didn't you tell me!?"

Liam looks up, shocked at my sudden outburst.

"I didn't think-"

I hold a hand up.

"Exactly, you didn't think."

I rest my head in my hands and sigh.

"Ill see you later."

Liam begins to speak but I ignore him, walking out of the door and down the stairs. The front door is unlocked and I pull it open, slamming it closed behind me.

How do I get to my house from here?

I wander for a bit, occasionally stopping to stroke a cat or tap people on their shoulders.

It must take me an hour to finally find my house and when I do, it begins to rain.

I can't help but smile as I look up at the stormy clouds. Perfect weather, for me and the ducks at least. I raise my arms and spin around, grinning. I can't remember the last time I danced in the rain.

I dance for as long as possible and when the rain begins to stop, I walk up to my house, peering into the window.

I don't see anyone.

I check the door handle and frown when it opens. Why didn't they lock the door? Taking a few hesitant steps, I listen out for any noise.

When I hear nothing, I climb the flight of stairs and turn to my door. The handle is stiff and it takes me a minute to open my room. It's bare.

My brows furrow and I take another step into the room.

All of the basic things are here but where are my books, my posters?

It looks like a hotel room.

I open the wardrobe. It's empty! A small pair of wellies lie at the bottom but that's it. I scan the room but find nothing else that belongs to me.

What's going on?

I run to the stairs, pausing when I see the box in my parents room. I open the door and walk in, opening the box. On the top, a cream piece of paper smaller than my hand displays the words:

River View Cemetery

Plot: 294

Scarlett

I hold a hand over my mouth and put the paper in my pocket.

The door downstairs slams and I hear the chatter of voices. I rush out of the room and run down the stairs, stopping at the door.

"Thankyou Katherine, I'm glad we can help." My Mum holds the phone to her ear, smiling a little.

Shouldn't she be sad? I died!

She hangs up the phone and sighs.

"Is it too early? Her funeral was yesterday! And now we're doing this!"

My Dad pats her shoulder.

"We are helping, that poor girl needs a home, and we have one." He pauses. "What was her name? Chloe... Claire?"

"Claire. She's 10."

The realisation strikes me hard and I take a step back in disbelief.

They're replacing me!

I walk out of the door and run down the pavement, heading back to Liam's house.

When I get there, I open the door and see Liam being held up against a wall, a scary looking guy holding a knife to his throat.

This can't be happening!

It's 10 days too soon!