Chapter 18
By the passing time after first period, the gossip over the fact that Angela wasn't at school was buzzing.
Rosalie didn't even have a class with Angela, and really only knew her from lunch period and some of the slumber parties they both went to.
But the rumors over where she was at were enough to make Rosalie shake her head, because the loudest one was that she'd been institutionalized and – as rumors had a tendency to grow in the making – some kids were claiming it was from anorexia, while others were claiming it was from bulimia.
If Angela had been hospitalized – not institutionalized, Rosalie knew that was bullshit – then it was probably due to her very real diabetes. Something anyone who had taken health with Mrs. Clapp would know, because after Angela had started having to carry her needles, insulin, and other paraphernalia with her it had been thoroughly discussed.
But there were other rumors that were more disturbing, including at least one claiming that Angela's mom had taken her twins and driven them into the river. The group that had been whispering that one, including Angela's best friend, Jessica, had been giggling as they'd talked about it.
Rosalie couldn't help but wonder if they really understood exactly what they were saying. It certainly wasn't a laughing matter if that was what happened.
Honestly, none of what she was hearing was funny.
The first bell rang, signalling the start of second period.
Rosalie leaned against her locker as she watched the hall empty in seconds.