Chapter Two
"Kelly" Annabelle said in a voice conveying surprise, worry and happiness "is it really you"?
"It sure is Fritton and am I glad to see you".
Smiling Annabelle reached over and flicked the small switch on the cable to her lamp. A peach glow lit the room and Annabelle's face dropped from pure joy to panic in an instant. "That was not quite the look I was hoping you were going to give me I must admit" Kelly joked.
"What has happened to you" the younger girl asked in an urgent voice "your soaking wet, your face, your bleeding, Kel..." Kelly placed her hand gently over Annabelle's mouth once again stopping her mid panic.
"I'm fine" Kelly said reaching to touch her temple where she could now feel the blood trickle down the side of her head – "I didn't realise I was bleeding".
Annabelle pushed back the bed covers and jumped out of bed running into the small en suite off the head girls' private room. Returning with a small box Annabelle sat crossed legged on the bed looking at Kelly. With her left hand holding Kelly's cheek, her thumb gently stroking the cold damp pale skin, she spoke in the softest near whisper as she busied her dabbing and wiping the deep cut to Kelly's face. "So are you going to tell me what's happened to you?" She looked deep into Kelly's eyes as she waited for any response.
"I'm so tired" Kelly said as a single tier rolled down her pale skin "can I tell you tomorrow"?
Annabelle tentatively smiled as the concern she felt for her friend grew. "This is the safest I have felt in weeks Belle and I just want..." – "you're shivering Kel" Annabelle said as she peeled the fitted black leather jacket off her friend. Kicking her boots off Kelly instinctively rolled towards Annabelle as the younger girl pulled the thick soft duvet over them both.
Lying face to face Annabelle put a loving arm around the still shivering body of the usually unshakable Kelly Jones "I will keep you safe" she exclaimed as she compulsively leant forward and softly kissed the red painted lips of her mentor. Annabelle felt confused and strangely curious. She hadn't intended to kiss her best friend and looked up shyly; worried she had scared Kelly away at a time when she obviously needed a safe haven. Kelly smiled an exhausted smile and simply said in her low silky voice "I'm so glad I'm here with you". Her eyes shut and Annabelle could sense that she had drifted off to sleep.