Rest In Peace (sequel to After They Died)

10- Chloe

Lily never texts me anymore, we don't communicate in any way, shape or form. It stirs up too painful many memories.

But she texted me today. And I don't know why, we both agreed to leave each other alone for at least a year to come to terms with everything. So why is she messaging me?

My hands are trembling with nerves, but I'm not sure why: it's just an innocent message, right? People text each other all the time. All the same, my hands continue to shake as I fumble with my phone, clumsily opening the message from Lily.

Four words. One tiny sentence.

We need to talk.

The first thing that throws me off guard is the formality of the sentence. She always abbreviates her messages and doesn't use punctuation. Also, there's no x or smiley face at the end of the message: something is wrong. Very wrong.

I stare at the message intensely even as it blurs in front of my tears eyes. Something is bad, but what is it? I can't bring myself to reply yet, so I just hold the phone in my hands, staring blankly at the inanimate object in my hands as fat tears splodge messily onto my cracked screen.

"Hey, Chlo. Ready for brekkie?" Jessie strides out of the bathroom, her skin glowing. She stops abruptly when she sees me. "What is it, Chloe? Are you ok?" She puts an arm around my shoulder and I snivel pathetically over her. I don't know why this has affected me so much, but it has. It really has. "Can I help?" I shake my head violently, that would mean telling her how Rachel died and the full story. "If it's Brianna, I swear to god I'll kill her."
"It's not Brianna."

I stumble out of the room, into the bathroom for some privacy to respond to Lily.

Is everything ok? x

It only takes seconds for her to reply.

No.

What's wrong??

I have to tell you in person.

Ok, but I'm at boarding school so it's not exactly easy to meet. Unless it can wait till the Christmas hols xx

It can't wait, we need to talk ASAP

Ok but how?? I can't bunk off school

Why not?

I would never

Even if it means saving someone's life?

I'm really confused Lil, saving someone's life?! Who?? And why do you need my help?? This is really weird, are you ok? Are you having flashbacks again?? xx

Chloe I'm NOT going insane. You need to help me, it has to be YOU.

Why?? What's going on?!

Ellie.

Rachel's twin?? What's happened to her??? Are you sure you aren't being paranoid...

Yes. This is real I promise. We have to meet tomorrow.

I live hours away from you!! And what's wrong with Ellie???

I'll bunk off school and take the train. I can't tell you anything else, just trust me please. xx

What?! You were always a goody two shoes who would never bunk school!! What's changed? I'll meet tomorrow but it better be worth it. x

Ok see you then, trust me it's worth it. I'll meet you at the train station at 7:00 am xx

7 am ?! That's reallyyy early!! But I guess if it's that serious xx

It is. Don't be late. Tell nobody.

What on Earth is going on?! I have a sickening feeling of dread circling in my gut. I think I'm going to be sick.

I leap up and hurl dramatically, heaving into the toilet. This is disgusting. I cry and cry, sitting on the floor leaning with my back to the door. I ignore Jessie's calls out to me. I sob, shivering and shaking in an absolute state, unable to regain composure.

Half an hour later, I force myself out to go to lessons. Jessie smiles at me sympathetically, not uttering a word to me. She understands my need for silence.

In lessons I can feel her watching me, waiting for me to have another meltdown. But I don't and I won't.

*

At 6:00 am I rise quietly out of bed, careful not to disturb Jessie. I scribble a quick note to her and pull on some leggings and a hoodie. I yank my hair into a messy updo, not caring that I look a right mess. It doesn't matter right now. All that matters is that Lily and Ellie are ok. Not that it seems like they are.

I walk out of the room, along the corridor, down several flights of stairs and into the bitter winter air.

I hug my shoulders, attempting to rub some warmth into my arms. I walk quickly, ducking to avoid the windows of the teacher's rooms. This had better have a really good explanation.

I arrive at the train station three minutes early and see Lily huddled on a hard bench, bundled up in a scarf and gloves, not forgetting her coat of course. She smiles weakly at me, and it's surprisingly awkward between us as we hurry to the nearest cafe for some breakfast.

We order a stack of pancakes each, mine topped with strawberries and cream, hers with maple syrup. I also order a glass of orange juice to go with it.

When our breakfast arrives, Lily fiddles with her knife and fork, cutting the pancakes into small bitesized chunks. "What's going on?" I ask.
"Ellie's missing. We think the same person kidnapped her."
"Who's 'we'?"
"Claire, the police, me." She chews on a mouthful of pancake thoughtfully.
"When did this happen? And why do you think she's going to die? And why do you need me?"
"A few days ago. And it's quite a coincidence, don't you think? I don't want anything bad to happen to Ellie, like it did to Rach. And I thought that you would want to help her as you know, she's our best friend's twin."
"What am I able to do? I live hours away!"
"I haven't thought that far ahead yet."
"Of course you haven't, so I've skipped school for no reason."
"No Chloe, you don't get it, I have a really bad feeling about this, I can't explain it, but I do, ok?"
"Ok, just tell me what you want from me, yeah?"
"I will. When I figure that part out."