Anonymous

Chapter 2

I got to school and instantaneously glimpsed the tree in front of the building. Owen always used to be seen there, reading, writing or spending time with Kyle.

I blamed Kyle for a while, but realized it was not his fault. They were both victims. The asshole who sent that video should be the only one condemned. However, Owen made his decision and stopping pointing fingers would be the best way to progress.

My eyes turned the other way. I promised myself to stop thinking about my brother all the time. Suddenly, someone came running towards me, Noah. He is a close friend of mine. I noticed he had a haircut on his straight brunette hair.

— Hey! You're just as late as me. Great!

— Why didn't you ask for a ride? — I inquired, glancing at his bike chained behind him.

— I'm trying to be healthier this year. Maybe I'll join the football team too. — He announced laughing.

— Of course! You're just the type of guy they're looking for.

— Hey! I sense some sarcasm here. I am extremely strong and fast, and you know it.

— Noah, you can't even open a pickle jar with those skinny arms of yours.

— My best friend thinks I'm weak. That hurts.

We stopped talking as my facial expression became grim. Noah comprehended how I felt about that word. My best friend was dead, and I wasn't seeking a replacement. In an instant he seemed to acknowledge his mistake.

— I'm sorry. I forgot, I shouldn't...

— No, it's ok. It's stupid.

— No, it's not. I'm sorry. I didn't really think. In fact, I'm glad we're not best friends... You're so hot. — He added mocking me. I started laughing and forgot the whole thing.

— Oh, god. You're ridiculous.

— And you love me.

We promptly ceased messing around and went inside. All the walls were covered with anti-suicide posters. And I sincerely believed it would be effortless to spend the whole day not thinking about Owen. Could they stop already? It had been a year. Even though the students recognized the importance of the sensitive subject, those posters made us mournful.

Everybody kept going to the gymnasium. I had no idea what was going on, even so, we did the same. Zoe was sitting in the back. When she saw us, she stood up and flapped her arms so we could detect her. She was the type of girl that attracted a lot of attention, her voluminous curly hair with pink tips and big breast.

Principal Stevens and two other people were talking about something that seemed urgent.

— Hey, Zoe. What's going on? — I questioned it.

— They're talking about suicide and depression.

— How so? After a year?

— Oh no. It's not only about Owen. Apparently, someone wrote a post on the school website. Seemed like a cry for help.

— Really? — I couldn't believe someone with genuine problems would go to the school. It was likely a foolish prank.

— Who was it? — Noah asked.

— No one knows. It was anonymous. But the principal seems distressed about it.

— Great. Now they worry. — I stated with resentment.

It turns out that the lecture was a waste of time. They merely encouraged us to express emotions and try to be aware when friends need help. Like it was that easy. Owen and I would literally spend hours in his room chatting. Nonetheless, I had no idea of how serious it was. But anyway, let's all sit in circles, share our feelings and hold hands.