The Fire

Chapter Eighteen

Present

I couldn't understand what to do about Christian. He'd never done anything like that before. The storm of messages from him made me feel guilty when I saw them, but also, how had he forgotten about the funeral? And why did he start accusing me of keeping secrets? I mean, he was right, but also my friend just died so how did he expect me to act?

I remembered then how Mum had mentioned Millie, I knew I wanted to message her:

Sophie: How have u been lately? Haven't spoken in a while x

It didn't take long for the word typing... to appear on the screen.

Millie: Yeah, ok thnx. Great to hear from you! Went back to school yesterday, when are u coming back?

Sophie: Mum said Friday but don't know if I'll be ready.

Sophie: Hang on, do u wanna come round?

Millie: Yeah sure, be there in five xxx

I missed Millie. She was practically my only real friend now and the only person I could talk to without having to hold back. I wondered if Katie had gone back. She probably hadn't. As much as I hated to admit it, this was probably just as painful for her as it was for me; she really did love Josh. That was the only thing that wasn't fake about her.

When Millie arrived, my mum directed her to my room. I saw her eyes glance in the direction of James' bedroom – that was a conversation for later. She smiled sympathetically when she walked in.

"Hey Soph, I've missed you so much!" She gave me a massive hug as she sat down next to me with one arm still around me.

"I've missed you too, Mils, I'm sorry I never messaged you or spoke to you at the funeral today, it's all just been so much to deal with."

She nodded, "I know, it really is, but I think coming back to school is a good idea. I feel so much better for it already; everybody is so nice and supportive. And, you wouldn't have to deal with Katie – she still isn't back yet."

I guess I was right then, "I suppose I could come in then...have you heard anything off Katie?"

"No, I don't think anyone has. I saw her at the funeral yesterday, only briefly, but she looked pretty rough. Don't blame her though."

"No, me neither. For once we are all in the same boat."

We sat in silence for a few minutes as I tried to think of a way of bringing up James without giving too much away.

"I'm worried about James," she didn't reply so I carried on, "he's been very quiet recently, too quiet, and I haven't seen him for days."

"I'm sure he's just tired and upset. People still think he is the one doing this because they need someone to blame and just chose him as an easy target. You have nothing to worry about."

I hoped Millie was right. I didn't think I would be able to cope if James was involved in any way, but right now, I couldn't think of a better explanation.