If

The Valedictorian

Keirsten's P.O.V.

I searched with my hands for the comforting feel of the cool metal against my skin. As I reached, my hand slid along the barrel.I gripped the handle and brought it into sight.

A collective gasp rushed through out the room. Shocked faces stared up at me as I lifted the gun to my head. "I've had an amazing time here guys. And I...I'm sorry, but it has to be like this. I wish it weren't, but it's for the best."

Teachers and students alike bagan swarming the stage. They all told me to stop and think about what I was doing. "You are making a huge mistake Miss Long" the principal shouted at me. I tried for a smile but failed. "Keirsten! No! Please don't! I love you." I made the mistake of glancing towards the voice. I locked eyes with my boyfriend Matt. His dark brown eyes brimmed with tears. "You remember our deal." He said softly as he approached. I closed my eyes and positioned the gun. Matt placed his warm hand on my arm, lowering it. "please," he whispered once more. He used the hand that wasn't holding my arm to grab my chin. He gently lifted my face towards his and guided our mouths together. It wasn't desperate and hard like our other kisses. This one was slow and sad... lingering. I pushed him off as lightly as I could. "Matt please," I begged, my voice cracking. "You don't understand." He stared me in the eye and said, "But you promised."

Just looking at him like this, completely undone and vulnerable, it broke my heart. "On the plus side," I began," I won't cut anymore. No self-harm, right? That was the agreement." He shakes his head slowly. "Nope. The promise was that if you went down, I was going with you." He grasped my hand with his own. I smiled. "Don't worry. I brought two bullets." Matt nods. He's resigned. He know's there is no convincing me to stop. "Lady's first" he says attempting to make this less painful, though we both know nothing will help.

As Matt releases my arm, I raise the gun again. I position it right on my temple so my brains will go out first and the death will be quicker. As I ease my finger onto a trigger, a girl wearing ratty clothes of ancient people runs on stage. "Miss Long," she says, " Don't do it. You have to live. For Edward." Matt turns to look at me. Right as he begins asking who Edward is, I pull the trigger.