Again, it's very short. But I didn't think this part fit with the last chapter or the next chapter, so here it is. Also, sorry if the change is kind of abrupt; it takes place over time.

But a few weeks later, Olivia stops coming to school altogether. By now, I barely see Arianna and our friendship is all but dead. I've been spending most of my time with Olivia. Maybe part of it's out of guilt, but our tenuous friendship is gradually strengthening.

I drop by her house every day for a week, then I start to panic. What if they've killed her? And I did nothing to stop it! I sink into a stupor. Some days, I can't even bring myself to get out of bed.

Nobody understands. My parents and brother tiptoe around me. The housekeeper brings me chicken soup and presses a cold compress to my forehead, even though I protest that I'm not sick. Arianna calls at first, but then she doesn't anymore. I guess I'm more of a liability than an asset now.

I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is Olivia, her round chocolate eyes penetrating my core as she cries, "Alex! Where are you? I need you! Help me!" And then her mother and the boyfriend are there, hitting her, beating her to death while I stand rooted to the ground, unable to do a thing to stop them. I watch her die, a look of eternal terror frozen on her face.

I toss and turn, thrashing around in bed, and when I wake myself up, I find tears streaking down my cheeks. Olivia, I ask silently. Where are you?

I breathe a silent prayer for my lost friend every night, but it does no good. The world is turning, but she's no longer a part of it, and neither am I.

Review for chapter eight!