Plan B

19

Life seemed to be dull. Everything seemed grey, and not just because I had grey eyes. Lindsey was always cheerful which automatically made ME cheerful. I had to learn to achieve this without her.

I was in charge of her burial preparations at school which basically involved collection of money for her burial. Once the collection time elapsed which was only a period of two weeks, I would take the money to her parents.

Her body had been found after a long search and we waited for its arrival. I even built a little fort near the main entrance. I put a framed photo of her, flowers, candles and a condolence book. I was always there watering the flowers and talking about how good Lindsey was.

"I brought us dresses for the funeral... we'll look amazing!" Kelsie said showing me two identical black dresses and black pantyhose.

"Finally, one good thing you've done since Lindsey's death announcement."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kelsie asked after a while.

"You've never really been into the preparation process."

"I did make a contribution, didn't I?"

"Yes. Most people have. I mean a more heartfelt action like... I don't know... writing a few sentences in her condolence book?"

"I remember writing something a few days ago."

"WRONG. You've never written anything. You never even speak about her since the day I broke own because of the news of her death."

"Where is this going?"

"If I must put the writing on the wall, it means you didn't really care about Lindsey." There was silence in the classroom. By this time everyone was gone.

"Let's just say I wasn't as close to her as you were. Our only common ground was you Kristie."

"So you can't show some respect even now that she's gone?"

"How do you expect me to do that!"

"Try taking care of her fort by lighting the candles when they go off or even watering the flowers!"

"In my defence, this is something you chose to do on your own and you've never asked me for help. Girl you need to speak up." With that she took the tiny watering can beside me and stormed out of the room."

"Oh no don't you dare turn this back on me!" I remained shouting to myself, "But at least the flowers are watered," I was contented with myself. Just then, I heard a beep from my phone. It was a text from Mr. Paisely!

"URGENT DRAMA CLUB MEETING AT 4.00PM TOMORROW. BE PUNCTUAL!!"

This can only mean one thing, the results are out! They are finally here! I had anticipated for them for so long and this is the moment of truth.

"Kelsie!" I went out looking for her to tell her the latest news. I didn't see her near Lindsey's fort. Where could she be? I walked down the hallway quietly. I heard a giggle around the corner. I followed the sound of the giggle. I decided to peep rather than to invade the conversation. Oh my... It was KELSIE and DALE.

Okay, okay, okay...HOLD UP PEOPLE! What the heck is going on? Am I missing something? I seriously need an update. I slowly walked back to class before they could see me. I tried not to jump into conclusions but I couldn't help it. Was Kelsie not telling me something? Because this is one thing I definitely did not know about.

"I've finished watering the flowers and lighting the candles. Can we go now?" Kelsie asked me when she returned.

"Yeah!" I said forcing a smile.

"I was thinking we should wear the outfits I showed you earlier with black boots. We will look amazing!"

"Great idea," I did not feel like engaging in Kelsie's discussion but my curiosity just had to have its way," You know, it's been long since I saw Dale. Have you seen him anywhere?"

"No not lately."

"Really?" I was shocked by this answer.

"Yeah. I haven't seen him anywhere."

Kelsie was definitely hiding something from me. Why would she do this? WHAT is she hiding? I almost asked her but something held me back.

"Okay then!"

On our drive home I chose to remain silent. Maybe I was stressing out for no reason. Maybe it's for a good cause. What good cause would that be? I can't think of one thing they have in common, but then, I DIDN'T know Dale that much. We had never actually hang out. Did he know my second name? Or even my first FULL name?

BUT THE KISS... that was significant, right? He still remembers it happened, right? Maybe not. He never even talks to me... ever! But he talks to Kelsie, GREAT!

It's funny how my expectations for a guy who pretended I didn't exist were too high. That's the point, we're not dating... and I won't push , myself to achieve it. Charlie is still there. I might still have a shot with him. Teenage life sucks!

"This is it!" Kelsie said parking, "I heard the Drama Competition results are in and Mr. Paisely has summoned a meeting!" She said excitedly.

"I know," I said getting out of the car,"See you tomorrow."

Kelsie drove off.

"Backstabber," I told myself. Who needs friends if all they do is hurt you when they die or when they... dare I say it! Argh!