Fallen Roses

Chapter 2

One year later...

I walked through the busy corridors of Windover North Highschool, clutching my textbook as I went. I could feel the eyes of the other students on my back, but I didn't care. Today, I didn't care about anything. Abruptly, i stopped. Locker 312. Rose's  locker. Blinking back tears, i continued on.

"Kelli!" Over here!" A voice called shrilly. I turned.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

I grimaced. "Charity, it's nice to see you," I said, hiding the displeasure in my voice.

Charity was one of those people who always acted super nice and friendly; not because she actually cared, but for extra credit and a good reputation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      "So i was thinking we could catch up today.... I realised today was the anniversary of Rose's death so i thought you might need a friend. When my cat died, it was the saddest day of my life, i mean......" Charity babbled on and on, but i had already zoned out.

i was jerked out of my thoughts when i heard another voice calling my name. This time, it was the voice of my best friend, Sasha.

"Hey Kelli! Hey Charity!" She called, waving madly at us.

I grinned. "Sasha, i was looking for you!"

Leaving Charity behind me, i ran to greet my friend. Together, we walked down towards our homeroom, where our school day would officially begin.

"Nice weather today, isn't it?" Sasha said cheerily, her green eyes sparkling with excitement.

I smiled weakly. I knew she was trying to take my mind off Rose, and i really admired her for that. However, it wasn't working. 

We arrived at homeroom, where our teacher Mr. Mullins ushered us into the classroom, where the rest of the class sat.

"Morning, class 9K," Mr. Mullins said. "Has everyone done their homework?" A low murmur ran through the classroom, with everyone placing the essay on fairy tales on the teacher's desk. i blushed, keeping my head low. With all the drama of Rose's deathday, i had completely forgotten our weekly homework.

"Kelli?" Mr. Mullins said, approaching my desk. "Have you done your homework?"

"No sir," I said, blushing furiously.

"He looked like he was about to say something, but he stopped midway. "No worries, Kelli," he said. "I know this has been a hard time for your family, but if you ever need anything, just ask." With that final word, he turned, and walked back to his desk.

As soon as that first bell went, i ran straight out of the classroom, heading for the girls toilets. I had barely pushed open the cubicle door when i burst into tears, slumping against the door. 

I sat there for several minutes, crying my eyes out. I didn't care who heard me. I really didn't care about anything. I heard the bathroom door open, and i hurriedly stood up.

"Kelli?" A small voice said timidly.

i breathed a sigh of relief. "Sasha?" I said.

"Chelsea said you went in here. Is-is everything ok?" She asked .

"I'm fine," I sniffed.

"Do you want a hug?" Sasha asked carefully.

Carefully, i opened the cubicle door, pushing open the sliding lock. Sasha put her arms around me, and i buried my head in her shoulder, still weeping. Eventually, i pulled away.

"You'd better get to class," I said to her.

She nodded, pushing the bathroom door open. "I'll tell Ms. March that you're feeling unwell."

I smiled weakly. "Thanks."

I pushed my strawberry-blonde hair out of my face, staring into the bathroom mirror. My eyes were puffy, my cheeks were red and blotchy, and i had a disturbing amount of snot dripping out of my nose. I was a mess.

Bracing myself, i walked out into the corridor. For Rose, i would stay strong. I wouldn't cry, i wouldn't sulk, but i would honor her memory. It would be a long day, and i knew it, but that wasn't going to stop me from standing tall. 

I reached for the classroom door handle, but as i did, i felt a strong hand grip my shoulder, and i turned, seeing a face that i always associated with dread, the man who only came with bad news. The man who had promised only to see us when things were incredibly bad, or astonishingly good.

That man was The Sheriff, the detective working on Rose's death.

Authors Note: Hey guys!!! Sorry for not updating lately! I've been really, really, busy.......... Hahaha no. I've just been incredibly lazy. I hope you like the new chapter!

-Olive out! Xx