The fall wind whipped my cheeks as I made my way to the chapel on Monday morning. All was quiet, as tired students made their way solemnly through the courtyard. The tradegy that had recently occurred changed the feeling this place used to give off. Before, when I would come to this school, the court yard, the chapel, the feeling it brought was hopeful. Now all I felt was hollow emptiness.
Michael. The only word that seemed to go through my head the last twenty-four hours. The only image that surfaced in my brain was his hurt expression right after I said all of those things to him. The last things I had said to him. The harshest things I had ever said to him. It was over whelming. Then that scream. Jill's scream when she found him. Lying there. Dead. The only sound that buzzed though my ears.
The chapel was almost full with somber students in its old wooden pews. I spotted Macey waveing in my direction. I went to sit down beside her. No sound came out of her mouth. She knew talking to me, asking if I was ok, it wouldn't do much. So we sat in silence, waiting.
Headmaster Gridder cleared his throat loudly and all was silent in the chapel. Then he spoke.
"Students. You are called here, to my utmost regrets, because of the recent tragedy that has stained our hallowed halls." He cleared his throat again. "Michael Anderson, a beloved student and friend to many was found dead Saturday night in his room." The headmaster continued on, skipping out on the details that were permanently ingrained in my brain. "Mr. Anderson's funeral will take place on Thursday morning at eight. All students will be permitted to attend with consent of a parent or guardian."
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson's faces appeared in my head. Another mixed wave of nausea, dread, and sadness washed over me. Their only son, gone. Evelyn. Michael's sister. Her only brother, and she'll never see him again.
My lungs began to close, palms sweating.
"Ella…whats wrong?" Macey looked at me worriedly. I was going to be sick.
I shot up out of my pew and darted for the heavy old doors. Hand cupped over my quivering mouth, all eyes on me, I ran out as fast as my feet would carry me.