Broken Memory ✓

11. Aftermath

Entering the school, I notice how quiet it is. Somber. It's noticeable in the air, and I already know it's because of what happened to Jonathan. I think the news of the fight got around as well because people seem to glance away from me every time I look at someone.

It could be that they don't want to stare at the bruises or the cuts on my face. They know I was injured. They don't want to anger me with stares. Or maybe they don't want to anger Caleb. He's walking right next to me, head down, and I'm sure they know from Liam's physical state that he can do some damage.

We sit down at our normal seat and Connor shows up a few minutes later. He can also sense the tensity in the air.

"Jesus, I hate the feeling in the air," Caleb murmurs to us. "You guys feel it too?"

"Oh, definitely. People are avoiding looking at us as well," I nod. Connor sighs.

"Do you think I'll get in trouble for what I did to Liam? It was self defense..."

"I don't know. Keep in mind the principle is also biased. He might penalize you..." I answer.

"That reminds me, did your mom freak out?" Connor pipes up. Caleb's stare moves to me.

"Yeah, she did. She ended up storming out. Caleb and his mom stayed with me for a while while my dad ran after her. They both came back... And now she's really quiet again... But it'll blow over eventually."

"Do you know if she'll force you guys to move?"

"Well... My dad must really like this town... Or just small towns or something. He really doesn't want to move, so unless she somehow makes him agree to moving, nope."

"Good. And if you have to move... Make sure to tell us as soon as you can. Please."

"Definitely. I couldn't keep it from you guys for long, anyways. You're two of the closest people I've ever had."

Connor nudges me. "Softie."

"Shut it," I chuckle, nudging him back.

"Alright, kids," Mr. Ross demands our attention as we find our seats. Caleb plops down next to me, shooting me a smile before turning to Mr. Ross. "As you know, a student has recently passed away. We're very sorry for anyone grieving his loss. We will have some police questioning students here to figure out what exactly happened or if anyone saw anything happen to him. That will start this week. Today, we're having a memorial for the student in the cafeteria. Please be respectful. You will go down there in about five minutes and be there for the remainder of the hour. You may talk amongst yourselves until it's time to go."

Caleb turns to me, his eyes filled with a small amount of fear.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Just... The police questioning thing. They're going to think I did it... And the kids here probably think I did. Liam is definitely going to say something about me... I'm going to look mighty suspicious..."

"Caleb, don't worry. You can just tell them the truth. And tell them whatever you were doing that night - because I know it had nothing to do with Jonathan. I'll make sure to defend you if I get questioned. Connor will too."

"Thank you. You're the best," he grins.

We joke around for a few more minutes until Mr. Ross dismisses us to the cafeteria. Caleb and I walk down side by side, spotting Connor sitting in the cafeteria. We sit down next to him and wait for the memorial to begin. I notice Liam is even here, which surprises me since he was pretty messed up yesterday. His face is bruised and he looks to have a black eye going on. When he notices me staring, he shoots me a, 'what are you looking at?!' look, forcing me to direct my attention elsewhere.