Page 43 of Web of Lies
“Yeah—I just have the flu. I’ll be all right, I promise,” I mutter. My voice left me ages ago. Piper nods, a hint of sadness crossing her usual chipper self.
“I’m so sorry it came to this, Kaycee.” Her lips pull together, moisture leaking from her eyes, cascading down her red cheeks.
“Ah—uh—it’s not your fault,” I strain to say. Her big blue eyes well up more. She tries to cover up her sniffles by shaking her head.
She swallows hard, “I just hate to see this happen again,” she whispers, turning her face away from me, fingers covering her nose. “I’ll check on you later. I’ve got a jump, skip, and hop to cheer now.” She gives me one last lingering, solemn look and heads down the hallway.
I watch her walk away, wallowing in an overwhelming sadness she can’t seem to shake. I’m not sure why she’s so upset by my new ‘hated’ status so much. It seems misplaced to me. She could worry about herself. Although, I can’t deny it’s nice to have a friend right now. If she’s even that.
Me:
Ready for war?
Tristan:
Bring it, babe!
I guess Piper isn’t the only person happy to talk to me. I still have Tristan. The only person on this planet, besides my siblings, I trust in my life.
From: [email protected]
September 1st, 2020
Kace,
How are you? Things are actually going okay right now. I had my meeting with the hheadmaster, and everything is okay now. I’m still seeing that certain someone and it’s good, really good. It’s the only reason things are going so well here now. Although I did have a run in with Ainsley Benoit. She just lives to make my life miserable. Her and her evil friends. Name calling and taunting me. I’ll have to tell you about that later when I see you. You’ll be at my grandparents’ funeral, right? I can’t believe they’re gone. They were just healthy a month ago and now? Crowee says it was some sort of slow carbon monoxide poisoning, had the doctors and cops check it out. I’lll miss them so much. I’m just ready to get off this camppus for a little while. But don’t worry, Kace. Everything is looking up, I promise.
The school here is seriously beautiful. I’ve been exploring more by mmyself. Eveerything is just GOOD! Minus the homework. You’d love their math here…it’s up your alley.
I finally got my flower paintings done; I can’t wait for you to see them. They’re a true reflection of what’s inside me now. Remember that. Ok?
Love
Magnolia xoxo.
Dear Miss Kaycee Cole,
We require your presence at 9:00 am sharp with Headmaster Shaw. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to ensure punctuality. Do not be late, time is precious.
Warmest regards Head Secretary,
Ivy Bloom.
Crap.Whatthehell?What did I do now? Crap. Crap. Crap. This couldn’t have arrived at a shittier time. At least it gets me out of my breakfast meeting with Piper, who had somehow wormed her way under my skin. Although, she’s the only person on my brief list of people who are talking to me. Well-the only one, besides Tristan.
My legs swing from the bench I’ve perched myself on. Wringing my fingers together, sweat forms on my sticky palms, slickening every inch of my skin. At least, that’s how it feels. Nervous sweats are the absolute worst, and I have to live in this uniform all day. By the time the headmaster gets to me, I’ll be a mess. A sweaty, disgusting, stinky mess. Oh joy, the kids will have a new name to call me as I walk down the hall with massive pit stains. I could use a fan on my vajayjay too. Ugh.
“Miss Cole, he will see you now.” The head secretary, Mrs. Bloom clears her throat, gesturing towards the closed door to my right with a nod of her head. She barely makes eye contact with me, going back to typing on her MacBook like her life depends on it.
I shake my head, stand, and head towards the closed door. Although my research about this whole place brought me closer to the students, an unexpected piece moved into my ever-expanding puzzle, Gavin Shaw. Newly hired at the start of the term, I know next to nothing about him. And that doesn’t settle well with me. My constant need for preparedness sends my anxiety soaring sky high.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach, whirling around, flying like crazy, bashing against my stomach walls. I wish I could blame the laxative sprinkles for my unfortunate feeling, but today, it’s my nerves eating away at me. Never in my life have I had to speak to the headmaster or principal. Honestly, I’m a good girl. I keep my head down and nose out of trouble. So why do I feel like I’m about to get my ass handed to me? Maybe it’s the solemn look present on Mr. Shaw’s scarred face.
“Ah, Miss Cole, please have a seat.” Headmaster Shaw locks eyes with me, gesturing towards the two leather seats across from his large mahogany desk.
I nod, making my way beyond his large desk. Mr. Shaw shuffles papers, visibly swallowing hard. The air is so thick with static and silence, I almost choke on it. He sets the papers down, patting them to perfection, avoiding eye contact with me. I swear under my breath at his stalling tactics. If he wanted me to piss myself from an anxiety attack, he’s about to win.
