Ch.1: That Day

Amelia's POV

❁ ❉ ❁ ❉ ❁

Everything that mattered seemed to fade into nothing that night. Every noise became muffled and distant, as if I'm in some alternate universe. I grew numb and unfeeling, only an empty shell of what I once  was.

(One Month Prior):

"Happy last day of school!"

I yelp as Cyrus's arms wrap around my waist unexpectedly, pulling me in so close his hot breath tickles my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I smile, wanting to breathe in his minty breath and warmth all at once.

I sigh. "I'll start celebrating when school is actually over."

"Awe, c'mon. The last day of school can be fun! Besides, we'll be sophomores next year. Aren't you excited?"

I roll my eyes and a playful smirk lifts the corners of my mouth. I close my locker and turn to face Cyrus. His face is inches from mine when he leans in for a kiss. I hesitate and pull away when our lips brush against each other.

"Not in front of everybody," I mumble, my cheeks turning crimson at the thought of everyone seeing us make out against my locker. Cyrus and I use to make fun of those people all the time.

"Who cares?" Cyrus whispers against my lips, a soft grin across his soft lips.

"I'm going to be late to class."

"So? It's the last day of school."

"Cyrus..."

"Fiiine," he heaves a dramatic sigh and lets me go. Before I turn away completely, a silent message exchanges between us.

I'll meet you in the forest, under the apple tree after school, he seems to say telepathically.

I smile and give him a curt nod before rushing to my first class.

The day drags by slower than usual. All I can think about are the wonderful plans Cyrus and I came up with for this summer. My life is finally shaping into what I've always wanted. My days are simple and carefree. As long as Cyrus is by my side, I'm invincible.

First period creeps to an end, leaving three more dreadful classes to go. Most of them consist of preparing for next year, some teachers even assign homework, seemingly forgetting that it is the end of the year. I spend the time indulging in a book I recently bought, hiding it under my desk and looking up occasionally in case a teacher grows suspicious.

By the time my last period ends, I'm exhausted. I didn't sleep much at all last night, which has become an infinite cycle now. Cyrus and I text all night and have been for almost a year now. My grades have dropped considerably, but I don't care much about that anymore. I'd rather talk to Cyrus than do my homework any day. Besides, my family is rich enough to provide me with any college I'd want to go.

Once the bell rings, I don't hesitate and start running towards the door. I don't bother giving a final farewell to my teachers, they probably barely know who I am, just like everyone else in this school. I'm just a person that's blended into the background after all these years.

"What's the rush, Amelia?" Alaska pops in front of me.

I stumble back to avoid crashing into her. "It's the last day of school. I- I'd like to leave as soon as possible."

She grins. "Good point. Don't we all?"

Her sidekick, Iris, walks up behind Alaska and gives me a perfect, artificial smile. "Hey, Amelia!"

I've always disliked the two of them and the rest of their popular clique, and the feeling seemed pretty mutual. Well, up until now. They've never bothered talking or looking at me unless it was gossip or a dirty look.

What's their motive? Should I run? Scream for help? Curl into a protective fetal position on the floor?

I clear my throat awkwardly. "Sorry, but I actually am in a bit of a hurry."

"Why don't you hang out with us? It'll be fun!" Alaska chimes.

"Bring Cyrus too. I heard you two were going out! Why didn't you tell anyone?" Iris adds.

Oh. So that's what this is about. They want to get to Cyrus. Ever since we were little, every girl has practically thrown themselves at him. Overtime he became alienated by almost every girl he talked to. Except me, of course. Cyrus and I have been best friends since the day we were born. It only took us about fifteen years to realize our attraction to one another. One year later, we're as lovey-dovey and obnoxious as any couple.

"Don't deny it either! Everyone saw you guys making out this morning!" Alaska snaps.

I knew that was a mistake. Cyrus and I have been rather secretive with our relationship, considering all the drama that would start up if everyone knew. But something about it being the last day of school made him particularly carefree.

"No thank you!" I squeak. I take a sidestep and rush to the exit. When I'm outside, I run the whole way to the forest. Our apple tree sits on top of a hill, just at the edge of the forest. We planted it together when we were 5 years old. Ever since then it's been our special spot. It overlooks endless green fields where blackberry bushes, lakes full of fish, and all sorts of wildlife flourish.

I plop down under the shade of our apple tree and lie on my back to catch my breath. Cyrus should be here any second now. It's strange for him to be this late, he's always here before me.

Not unless he has something planned. I'm unable to keep the smile off my face. He always does something extra on special occasions. I find myself growing impatient, pacing back and forth for almost two hours.

It's going to be dark soon, and I can't wait until then. Disappointment and worry flutters through my chest. Did he somehow forget? No, he never forgets. Is he planning a surprise at home, and decided to make me wait here so he can set up?

Yes. That's exactly what he's doing.

I rush home and swing the front door to my house open, expecting some huge romantic gesture to burst in front of me.

But there's nothing. In fact, I don't see Cyrus. My parents huddle against each other, their cheeks streaked with tears.

"Mom? Dad? What's wrong?" I ask worriedly.

"Amelia... we've been trying to get a hold of you for hours!" My mom says.

"Oh. My phone died a little while ago. It's not that big of a deal though. Were you guys really that worried?"

"Something terrible has happened."

Rivers of anxiety pulse through me. "Wh- where's Cyrus?"

"He's dead, Amelia."