Chapter 19
Edward sat down at the lunch table with Jasper, Emmett, Mike, and Jacob – his usual crowd – noticing how they were all leaned close to Emmett, who was whispering.
Emmett glanced at him, scowling as he muttered, "You're late." Then he refocused on everyone. "Anyway, as I was saying, Pastor Weber called my dad late last night and pulled Angela out of school for the time being. Her mom apparently lost it, and while Angela, Joshua, Isaac, and the Pastor were at Wednesday night service, she drowned the newborn twins in the tub and then overdosed on sleeping pills."
Edward frowned. "Are you sure you should be telling us this?"
"It's better to have the real story than some of the fast and loose tales that are already making the rounds about the school. Besides, if my dad – whose held me back twice – doesn't know by now that I'm going to do exactly what I want to do, then it's not my fault."
"Was your dad given any details about why?" Jasper asked solemnly.
"I'm betting she's a La Llorona," Mike said animatedly, completely ignoring the seriousness of the situation. "You know, a woman in white."
Edward considered smacking Mike, but figured it wouldn't help get through to him.
"I really doubt Pastor Weber has been cheating on his wife, Mike." Jacob's voice implied that he was being an idiot.
"It's probably some sort of a mental illness." Edward pointed out, before shaking his head.
"Like what, schizophrenia?"
"I don't know."
AN: I just want to mention here that both Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis are very real, though unfortunately vastly under acknowledged to this day, and also in many countries sadly still unrecognized.