Torn [J.Barber]

[02] FREEING

The next morning, May had waken up at her usual time, as if nothing had even happened yesterday. She makes her way downstairs, pouring herself a bowl
of cereal, and taking a seat at the kitchen table.

Neither her mom nor her dad were awake yet. On any other morning, they would be up by the time her and Ben would be, in the case that they would have to drive them to school on their way to work.

They assumed May would not be going today, as they were not in a rush to work either. Though, May wanted to go to school. She'd rather be around other people than wallowing in her own sadness all day.

She takes her backpack, stuffing in her homework from last night, which was all stained with tears, and opening the door.

She knew her parents would never allow it. Her going out alone. Especially after what happened to Ben. She takes a moment to think, before sighing.

She steps out of the house. If she doesn't take the park trail, nothing's gonna happen, right?

She had money to buy a bus ticket, so that's what she did, and she rode the bus all the way to Kerley, where she walked the rest of the way, which only took her around ten minutes.

Upon entering the school, as you'd except, everyone was staring. Or, at least, that's how it felt. Who wouldn't? Did you hear about the girl who's brother was murdered?

It's not like she didn't expect to see this. But now she's wondering whether she should just turn back, until a familiar voice calls out to her, running up beside her.

"Hey, May! May!" Jacob calls, catching up. "What are you doing here?" He asks softly. "Going to my locker. You know, to get my stuff." She responds obviously, stopping at the locker, and putting in her combination.

"Oh, sorry. I just thought that you wouldn't come because—"

"I didn't think I would come either. But my house is so depressing, it's only gonna make me feel worse." She explains, taking out her math textbooks.

"And you thought school could cheer you up?" He raises his eyebrows. She lightly chuckles, somehow forgetting her troubles within that moment, until reality hits her once again when the stretchy band of her bracelet gets caught on her lock, causing it to snap, and all the beads to scatter on the floor.

They dispersed with the kicks of everyone walking, so it would be almost impossible to gather them all.

Taking a deep breath, she looks down at her wrist, then shuts her eyes. Don't cry, May. Don't cry.