The Blood-Stained River

1//

It was spring break, what did you expect? What did anyone expect? Surely not a murder. Not of someone you know, anyway. Not someone who you see everyday in the halls. Not in a town like St. Croix, Wisconsin. A population of 2,133 people. Now its a population of 2,132. They wont change the sign though, not for one person.

It all started with a party at Brandon's house. Spring break of junior year, it was going to be the best night of high school yet, a pre-prom hype party. That's what Emmett, Alex, and Brandon called it anyway. As usual, Brandon's parents were out on business trips, and they had said he could have a couple of friends over. So naturally, almost the entire St. Croix High School student body was present. Those deserving of an invite that is.

The Preps of all grades were in attendance, thats what everyone calls us; the Preps. Popular people that seem untouchable. That's what I've heard, at least. Some seniors were present; a show of Emmett's popularity. It was one of the best parties in years. I wouldn't classify it as a college party, but it was pretty close. Red cups everywhere, the smell of booze evident, and loud voices and laughter topping over the already loud music. At one point I remember Emmett left with a few people we didnt know. We saw them later that night, but we didnt see Emmett. The night that was supposed to be our rising to seniority, but instead . . . we learned that our fame didnt come without a price. That was paid on the bloodstained ice of the St. Croix River. The night everything changed.

I suppose I still am a Prep, my friends are the same, most people still treat me the same. But I know its out of pity. I can see the looks in their eyes; they no longer held fear or jealousy. I'm no longer Princess of SCHS, second only to my best friend, Emma Hills; Queen of SCHS. I can't say I miss being the princess here. Because I dont. I hated being that girl. Now I'm just a different version of that girl in their minds.