Chapter 2

Crystal wandered in the corridor. Her best friend had once again abandoned her as she always did during free lectures and maybe that’s why Crystal hated free periods. She halted as someone came towards her, crystal looked up and was disgusted, her emotion was evident on her face but she did not regret even a little.

“Hello Crystal”, said Justin.

“Mclen”, told Crystal.

“Bangs”, answered Justin.

“Do not bother to pretend with me Justin”, said Crystal angrily.

“Pretend”? Asked Justin.

“Aren’t you being too sweet just before the results, Mclen”, answered Crystal.

“OHH god Crystal, the elections are over, and even if they were not, when was I not sweet to you or anyone in particular”, said Justin.

“Do you want me to tell you how many times”, said Crystal furiously?

“Why am I even talking to you?”Justin mumbled to himself.

“The feelings are mutual now if you would allow me to get aside”, said Crystal.

“Have you seen Rose”? Asked Justin.

“Why do you want to know, ohh let me guess you want to brainwash her against us”, answered Crystal.

“What is your problem, can’t you reply properly to at least a single question”, said Justin, now irritated.

“Don’t you see what your “friends” are doing, they are spreading unnecessary rumors. It is disturbing Rose”, said Crystal.

“I didn’t know, I’ll tell them to stop”, said Justin.

“All the best to you, I hope you keep making more friends”, said Crystal.

“We all would have been friends”, said Justin, his thoughts distant.

“You should have thought that before you betrayed Rhys”, said Crystal.

“Betrayed? It was Rhys who betrayed me first”, said Justin.

“I..me…myself, that is all you care about right. We all had taken the decision”, complained Crystal.

“We? Rhys decided it, you agreed and Rose had to because it was her brother. No one cared what I thought except Rose”, said Justin

“Rose did not agree with your idea Justin, accept it”, said Crystal.

“She did because at that time I had some other idea but obviously you all did not listen”, said Justin.

“Ohk, so you then decided those bullies were better than us”, said Crystal.

“They are NOT my friends and I do not intend to agree to everything they say Crystal”, said Justin.

“Anyways it's too late to regret now, all the best Justin, and do not bother to find Rose”, said Crystal.

“Do you know, you are crazy”, said Justin.

“Ah! At least less crazy than you are, Justin”, said Crystal as she waved and disappeared towards the auditorium.

Students applauded as their principal rose from her seat. Miss Nora was always a bright and enthusiastic principal. Everyone fell silent as the principal held the mic. Rhys and Justin sat at either side of the stage waiting for the special moment.

“Good morning students, I welcome you all to our 13th election result,” said Miss Nora.

“We have two most hardworking students amongst us- Mr. Rhys Harmony” students applauded loudly.

“...Mr. Justin Mclen”, once again there was a roar of applause.

Crystal searched for Rose, she had completely forgotten about her best friend after her sweet conversation with Justin, her eyes met Rhys’s asking for his sister. 

“Where is Rose”? Whispered Rhys as Crystal came near.

“Obviously in the library”, answered Crystal.

“Why didn’t you get her?" asked Rhys.

“I..uh actually got distracted”, stammered Crystal

“I can’t believe she is missing on this”, said Rhys.

“I’ll go and bring her”, whispered Crystal.

“Not possible, auditorium doors are closed”, said Rhys sadly.

“Mr. Rhys pls join us for the announcement”, said Miss Smith, our English teacher.

Justin and Rhys stood opposite each other, both nervous.

“I know you all are eager so I won't stall”, said Miss Nora. There was absolute silence.

“And the new Head boy of St. Petersburg high school is………..”. Crystal stood there, waiting…everyone was. The sound of silence was heard clearly rushing in everyone's mind and a wind of suspense blew in the auditorium. 

“Is Mr………Rhys Harmony”, said Miss Nora. The crowd burst with joy, well not everyone. Even Rhys was upset as Rose was not present but Crystal felt proud and a little bit shocked because Mr. Crazy looked happy.

Miss Nora held the badge…….

The door of the auditorium opened with a large thud, and a tall figure came running towards the stage.

“MISSS NORAAA”, yelled the librarian, the emotion of horror showing on his face as if he had seen someone murdered.

“What is it, Mr.Kinney”? Asked Miss Nora, frowning at him. The auditorium was now strangely quiet, everyone interested in the drama.

“Bloood….”, yelled Mr.Kinney while panting so it actually sounded "bird ".

People started murmuring, as usual.

“Students due to few emergencies we have to halt the ceremony, please everybody settle down until then”, said Miss Nora before leaving.

Everyone settled down as Miss Nora left but there was gossiping and chattering in the hall.

“What is going on?" asked Crystal, to no one in particular.

“Don’t know, at least Rose can come for the other half”, said Rhys. 

“Mr.Rhys please come with me”, interrupted Miss Nora.

“Actually you too, Crystal”, said Miss Nora, turning back.

They both followed Miss Nora to her cabin which had an eerie feeling as they both settled down. The principal looked uncomfortable as if she did not know how to start the conversation.

“So…uh…Was Rose suffering or going through something”? Asked Miss Nora.

“No, why”? Asked Rhys, confused.

“I understand about your parents…..”

“Rose is absolutely fine mam”, answered Rhys.

“We have contacted your parents, Rose was…uh found in the library….”

“Did she do something….”? asked Rhys, still confused.

“No, we found her and called the doctors but I am really really sorry Rhys, it is too late now”, said Miss Nora, sadly.

“I don’t understand, I’ll go find her”, said Rhys as he rose from his seat, his confused expression locked on his face as he left.

“Are you okay, Crystal? Please go and find Rhys he will not understand until he has seen Rose but after that, someone should be there at least till his parents arrive.

“I..I…don’t understand”, said Crystal.

“I am sorry Crystal but your best friend is dead”, said the principal.

Crystal searched for Rose instead of Rhys. She tried to tell herself that it was not true until she saw people gathered around the library- doctors, nurses, teachers, and….Rhys. He looked devastated, blood was all over the floor and as Crystal looked a little further she lost control, her hope shattered just like the vase nearby.

“Miss Bangs, are you okay?" asked a tall, beautiful woman but Crystal couldn’t answer. She was not at all okay.

“Are you Rose’s friend?”, she asked, her voice sharp and searching. Crystal nodded as if words were impossible.

“I am detective Harper, I am really sorry for your loss and I know it might be tough for you but can you tell me if someone in the school despised Rose”?asked the detective.

“Des..pised, why do you ask”? Crystal forced out the words.

“Because Miss. Bangs, your best friend was murdered”, she replied.

To be continued.