Destined

Four

Roger is dead. Jonah was arrested. Roger is dead. I couldn't count the number of times I'd heard those words that day.

"I can't believe this," Talia said. "They're saying he was mudered. A murderer? In school?"
"It's a difficult concept to swallow," I said.

We were in the cafeteria getting some refreshments. The crowd outside had almost died away, due to the police forcing it to. Officers were still scattered all over the premises. One of them had been talking to the dean, a couple of others had taken to talking to some students who shared classes with Roger. Even the media had arrived but they were stuck in the parking lot.

"I wonder how Tyler is doing," Talia said.

We'd seen him on our way to the cafeteria talking with yet another police officer. He looked pale and completely mortified.

"He has nothing to hide, he'll be fine," I said as we sat down at one of the tables. "Have you gotten through to Maddie?"
"No, still voicemail," she answered. "I hope she's okay. I didn't even see Roger at the party, did you?" Talia asked.
"No, I didn't," I lied.

Well technically it wasn't a lie. I hadn't known that was Roger when I saw him. And when I had seen him, it wasn't at the party, but a few blocks down. So no, I didn't see him at the party. Yes I take law, that counts in the court system.

"Tyler is here," I said causing Talia to look up as he approached our table.
"Ty," Talia said as he sat down next to her.
"Hi," he scratched the back of his head. 
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Not really,  this whole investigation's messed with my head. And Jonah, " he frowned.
"Is he still at the station?" Talia asked.
"Yeah, he got really aggressive, almost punched the officer, think he was high or something," Tyler explained.
"What are they saying?" Talia asked.
"Some crazy stuff that's not making sense. That they found the body last night, that they were tipped off annonymously. And the body was in our bushes, behind the house, none of us even go there unless we're having a party. And we were so hungover all of Sunday, I...he was in our backyard the whole time and we didn't even know he was missing," Tyler said.
"You couldn't have known, Ty, no need to beat yourself up over it," Talia reassured him while I just sat there, blank.
"Yeah, but Roger had said he wasn't coming to the party. I didn't see him there, well, this totally ruins our lunch plans," he said with a wry smile.
"We can always do it later," she said.
"Yeah, well I just wanted to explain myself in case I don't see you again, I have to go to the station and give an official statement and get Jonah out. As well as hand over the guestlist. I apologize in advance if the police show up at your house,"
"Do what you have to do," I shrugged as he stood.

He squeezed Talia's hand momentarily before walking away. We both watched his retreating back in silence. He looked so...sad.

"I have to get back to class," Talia said and I nodded.
"Yeah, I'm going home, want to check if Maddie is there," I said and hugged her before I left.

The crowd had thinned outside. The cameras were still in the lot and the students who were either unlucky enough to have been ambushed or just loved camera time, were showcasing their acting skills. I managed to make my way to the car without being spotted.

As I let myself into the house, I heard the television in the living room and found Maddie staring at it unseeingly.

"Maddie? There you are, we've been calling you," I said rushing to her.
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't....I had to come home," she explained. "I needed privacy,"
"Are you okay? Sorry, stupid question," I sat down next to her.
"They're talking about Roger on the news," she said.

I was surprised the story had been aired so quickly, was it live?

"Yeah, it's real sad," I said.
"I'm shaken," Maddie answered. "I left school the moment I heard and came home and found it on the news too. I've been sitting here the whole time in shock,"  she frowned. "I haven't cried, I've just... stared,"
"Hey, it's okay, you're still processing,"
"I just, I can't believe it,"