Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014 - 12:45 PM
I giggled as I slid into my seat. Sixth hour was always my favorite class, becuase I was with all my friends. Ruth slid in her desk behind me, then Victoria and Star took the seats on either side of me. We tried to hide our giggles behind our hands, because the boys who sat in front of us were trying to act cool. Vic's boyfriend Tommy languidly took her hand and kissed it, causing her to giggle even more. Ruth and I made gagging noises with Tommy's best friend, Cody. The happy couple stuck their tongue out at us and continued being sappy and disgusting.
"Have you given Maria her present yet?" Star asked.
"Nah, I figured I would give it to her tonight at dinner." She nodded dreamily and went back to drawing whatever she was drawing. Star's parents were hippies, which should explain the name, and we all knew something was a little off in Star's head; but we love her anyway.
"Where are y'all going to eat dinner?" Vic giggled, tearing her eyes away from Tommy. I shrugged.
"Beats me. Maria likes different food every other day." Tommy cooed about Vic's accent and Vic slapped his shoulder lightly. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Ruth and Star.
"Hey Becca, I was wondering - "
"Mrs. Newman, can Rebecca Colston please come up to the office with her belongings?"
I looked around confusedly. I didn't have any doctor appointments, why would my parents be checking me out of school? Maybe they decided to give in to Maria's pleas about having lunch at a restaurant then going to Chuck E Cheese.
"Yes, she will be right there!" Mrs. Newman called back, signaling me to grab my stuff and go. I shurgged at my friends and slung my backpack over my shoulder. I ignored the immature "ooh"'s and made my way to the main office at the front of the building.
What I saw was not what I was expecting.
The principal ushered me into her office, where a police officer was waiting. What the fuck? Did I do something illegal? What is going on?
"Rebecca, honey, you're not in trouble. I'm so very, very sorry." I looked between her and the officer.
The officer cleared his throat and gave me a sad look, "I'm sorry, Ms. Colston, but your family has been in a fatal car accident."
The room spun.
It didn't process.
Fatal car accident?
I suddenly felt as though I had not been speaking English all my life. Surely the police officer is speaking another language. He's not talking to me. He can't be. I laughed and shook my head, and Principal Regan starting crying.
I cocked my head to the side and realized I was on the floor. Why is Mrs. Regan crying?
The police officer stepped closer to me, and all I saw before I blacked out was him trying to reach down to help me back to my feet.
