CHAPTER 27 (THURSDAY)
School was quiet the next day. The whole school was in shock over Lizzie's suicide. I felt numb; it all felt so surreal. So many people came up to your father and I to tell them how sorry they were about Lizzie. We didn't know some of the people who talked to us. Even Kate was nice to us. Lizzie and your dad had told me that she had changed, but I didn't believe them. However, she was really sweet. Larry Tudgeman, Veruca, and Ethan also expressed their condolences. Even Parker McKenzie and Claire told us how sorry they were about Lizzie. Parker and Claire still gave the three of us havoc, but it was nice to see that they could put all that aside for the time being, at least. Most of our teachers were understanding. Our Chemistry teacher let your father and I turn our project (the one Lizzie was a part of) in late. Even Miss Fields was civil. I think this was one of the longest days of my life. Your father and I clung to each other like 2 lost souls in a dark forest. In a way, it was comforting to have your father there, but in another way, it wasn't. We were no longer a trio. I'd lost my best friend, and your father had lost not only his best friend, but also his girlfriend, and we didn't know why.
After school, your father and I went over to the McGuire's house. We couldn't believe that she was really gone. It didn't seem real. The house looked the same as always. Could this all be some horrible nightmare? I knocked on the door, and Sam answered the door. Jo was sitting on the couch, cradling Matt. She looked so lost and so tired. We walk over to the couch and the four of us embrace. Sam sits on the chair across from the couch. Jo asks the hard questions,"Did Lizzie give you any clue she was suicidal?" "No, Mrs. McGuire, nothing," I reply. "Was she depressed or sad?" "She seemed fine to me," your father answers. "Thank you for coming over, and for being such good friends to Lizzie," Jo continues. Your father and I give Jo another embrace and then leave.
Neither of us felt like going home, so we went to the park. We found a secluded spot and sat in silence. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing, so I just let them fall. Your father takes a tissue and wipes one from my cheek. We look at each other, and before we knew it, we kiss. I don't know who kissed who first. I felt really guilty for kissing my dead best friend's boyfriend. I felt like I was cheating on her. Your father must have felt the same way, because after the kiss, both of us looked away. "Umm, I'm sorry," I choke out. "No, that's okay." "No, it isn't. You're my best friend's boyfriend." "I'm not anyone's boyfriend anymore. Lizzie's dead." Your father stands up and walks off. I watch him walk off.
How could I be so stupid? Lizzie's only been dead for a day and I've been macking on her boyfriend! I'm such a fool! He'll never talk to me again. I really blew it.