Prologue - Heartbreaking News
Megan
“Megan Black, report to the principal’s office. Megan Black, report to the principal’s office immediately!”
“What the hell did I do this time?” My heart started racing. “My dad said, one more demerit or call from the principal, and my phone was a goner, forever. That would ruin my life! How was I supposed to keep up my social media presence without my phone?” I couldn’t think of anything that I had done that merited my need to see the principal. My hands were sweating.
“I have been good lately.” I walked quickly to get the suspense over and done with. Ms. Smith looked sympathetic, which was very weird. She usually looked as if she enjoyed it when we had to see the principal.
“I must be in serious trouble. Oh, crap! Am I going to be suspended? My dad is going to kill me!”
She did not say a word, she just pointed to the principal’s office as soon as I walked in, indicating for me to go in.
The Principal, Mr. Abernathy had a very sad look on his face. He was looking at me like he typically would when he was about to discuss something sensitive, like having se.x in the gym or making out in the library. He would peep over his glasses, with his glasses right on the tip of his long straight nose.
My Gran and my uncle Henry were there as well, and I started feeling queasy. What was going on with everyone? Why were they here? Where were my parents? My father had taught me to keep my pack link closed when at school, so I could be a normal kid and just enjoy being a kid, but I opened my link suddenly, trying to find out why my Gran and Uncle were there?
“Megan please, sit down,” Mr. Abernathy pointed at one of the chairs. I was feeling confused, nauseous, and moving on autopilot. The link was not giving me anything! They must be keeping me in the dark or blocking me out in some way. I was taking in the surrounding scene, unable to register anything.
Mr. Abernathy’s office was your typical principal’s office. There was dark wood all around and shelves with a lot of books. His desk was in the middle of the office, taking up nearly all the space. A new swivel chair for him to sit on, that clashed with the classic decor. Two chairs in front of his desk for visitors or unruly students. There was a golden plaque on his desk saying “Mr. Abernathy,” as if nobody knew.
My Gran sat on the chair next to mine, holding my hand, and my uncle stepped closer to put his hands on my shoulders. My chest started feeling heavy.
“What? What is happening?” Tears started forming in my eyes.
“I am sorry, Megan. Your parents were in an accident this morning. They were rushed to the hospital, but they did not survive. Your Grandmother and Uncle are here to take you home.” Mr. Abernathy informed me.
Gran held my hand a little tighter and uncle Henry held my shoulders as I sat there, tears wanting to fall but not falling. I held my breath, and my jaw dropped. Time stopped for a second as one tear fell. The tear hung midair.
It could not be! I saw them laughing in the kitchen at home this morning. They could not be gone! I shouted to them in mind link, but there was no reply. Just deafening silence.
“You are lying!” Time caught up as I shouted at the Principal.
Jumping up, I grabbed my books close to my chest and ran out of his office, with tears streaming down my face. I ran and ran without thinking or registering anything. Someone was playing a cruel prank on me! I ran all the way home. They had to be there…