Page 418 of Knox Academy Omnibus
So much blood.
I look down at myself and whimper. Debbie and Frost have done a decent job but my outfit is destroyed.
“I’ll wait outside while you change, but we will fix this and everything will be okay,” Frost promises.
He leaves the bathroom and Debbie helps me remove the gown that I’m wearing and to put the new one on. I’m no help at all actually. I stand like a statue, an unyielding mannequin that she has to dress. I’m supposed to be a grown ass adult and here I am, letting my mum dress me like a baby.
It’s a first for both of us.
Silent tears stream down my face, and I don’t do a thing to try and stop them.
I don’t even think to see if blood got on my clothes under my gown. Should I change? Do I have time? What would I tell Elsie? She spent hours finding the perfect outfit for me. What would I even put on instead?
“There isn’t time for that. You’ll do for now and we can sort everything out straight after the ceremony. Don’t worry, child.”
My shoes. There’s blood on those. When I walk on stage?—
“I’ll clean your shoes.” Debbie drops to her knees and wipes at my pumps. “I’ll tell them that I did it, I can go back into hiding again.”
“No. I will tell them it was me,” I reply with effort. I have to force myself into the present, back into the room. I take a deep breath and wipe away my tears. I can do this. I am strong. Ihaveto do this.
For my guys.
“I refuse to tell them until after.” I feel strongly about this. I need them to have just one normal experience before they give up everything for me.
“Then we’ll hide the body until you tell them. Then you can decide what to do.”
“Okay,” I whisper and nod my head. The movement is smoother this time, less difficult to complete.
I wiggle my fingers and toes, testing. I unlock my knees and don’t fall to the floor. I can do this.
“I have some friends that could make it look like an accident,” Debbie offers.
“Laura was sitting in the audience, she’s been seen. I’ll just wait, but thank you. I need to go back out there before anyone comes looking for me.”
“You’re done,” Debbie tells me.
Camilla takes my hand in hers and squeezes it. “Don’t you worry, my child. It was kinder and faster than she deserved.”
We all head back out towards the stage, flanked by Frost. He nods at me. He’s got my back. He won’t say anything.
I can hear the kid who is giving his speech talking about how amazing the school is as Monty rounds the stage at the same time as us and we all stop abruptly.
“Amelie, have you seen your...Laura?”
Guilt washes over me. I am going to have to tell him that I killed her. I’m going to have to tell him that she never loved him.
“She was on the phone to someone and she saw Amelie and made her upset. So I suggested that maybe she shouldn’t be here today,” Camilla replies smoothly and Monty nods.
“I need to take my seat,” I say and rush away on stiff, wooden legs. Without family by my side I don’t feel as strong and capable. My steps are jerky and unnatural but I keep my head down and push my way through to my seat.
With my eyes on the stage, I attempt to focus on whoever is talking. I could have sworn some nerdy guy was supposed to talk today, but maybe I’m wrong because the guy speaking looks…buff. More like an athlete or something. He doesn’t look at all familiar, but it’s not like I’ve been here long enough to know everyone – especially fourth years.
My head swarms with information and flashbacks. I can barely focus. What’s wrong with me?
Chapter Forty-One
Amelie
