Chapter 7
Walking into the house, I go over to the couch and sit down. The tears have finally dried up. I feel so empty, so numb. Who would do something like this?
There’s just too many possibilities. How did they find that footage or even get it? How could they allow them to play it for everyone? After Jojo walked me out of class, she explained what had just happened. They let me take the rest of the day off from school.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been sitting here when I get a tap on my shoulder alerting me that everyone is sitting here, looking at me. I don’t even look around at anyone, I just lower my head back down. I just want to get away from here. Haven’t I been punished enough. When will this all end?
“Alright, Ladies. What is going on? Did any of you have something to do with what happened today?” Ms. Gina asks as I look up, connecting eyes with her.
The girls all start responding with their answers. No one is going to admit to anything. They don’t even have a reason to do this, do they? Maybe I missed something.
“We all know who had something to do with this. Look at what they did to her a month ago. She was literally fucking assaulted.” Jojo responds, fists clenched at her sides.
“Girl, I know you didn’t just cuss at me?” Ms. Gina raises her eyebrow looking at Jojo.
“No, ma’am. Of course not. I’m sorry. I’m just upset that this keeps happening to her. She hasn’t done anything to anyone yet she gets targeted. It makes no sense.” She says, crossing her arms across her chest, looking around at the girls, eyes narrowed.
“I understand. I agree completely, but we can’t just point fingers. Plus those girls are no longer here. So let’s go over what happened today. Someone walk me through it please.” Ms. Gina says, as she comes around the couch, taking a seat across from me.
The girls fill her in the best they could. She didn’t seem like she was trying to brush it off. I just hope they find me a place soon. Someone in here is a threat and all I keep thinking about is if they are here to hurt me, who sent them, and what do they want. There’s so many emotions going through my mind.
“I’m not safe here. I’d like to be transferred anywhere but here.” I Connect eyes with Ms. Gina, tears flowing down my face, with pleading eyes.
“Let me make some calls.” She says, standing, ready to walk off.
“NO! You can’t. I can’t be without her!” Jojo says, crying and squeezing me so tight it hurts.
“I’m sorry. I’ll let you know what I find out.” She says, walking out of the room.
Later in the day, I’m sitting at the table just pushing dinner around on my plate. I’m not hungry and have no desire to eat. My heart and head hurt, I’m just over it all. I still haven’t heard anything from Ms. Gina and Jo disappeared a while ago.
I hope she isn’t mad at me, I want to talk to her, explain that I never wanted to leave her or upset her in any way. I love her, she is my best friend, my person. I couldn’t imagine life without her. I hope she finds a place too or they put us together.
“Hey Babe.” Jo says, taking a seat in the chair next to me.
“Hey. I’m so sorry. I hate it here and nothing is getting any better. I love you and I promise we will stay in contact with each other.” I tell her as the tears start flowing, turning into loud sobs.
“I know babe. It’s okay. I know we won’t lose contact. You”re my best friend and I love you.” Giving me a big hug, kissing me on my cheek.
After dinner and chores, we head upstairs toward our rooms and start the nightly routine. I was just coming out of the bathroom when I saw Jo hug Ms. Gina. I raise my eyebrow wondering what that’s about when I lock eyes with Jo. She smiles at me as she runs over.
“Guess what?” She asks, with an excited look on her face.
“Um, I don’t know. You got to another level?” I ask, not sure what is going on.
“Nope, after next week I won’t need any. They found me a place.” She has a huge grin on her face.
I know she is happy but I can’t help but feel bad. Does that make me a bad person, and friend? I’m jealous at the thought of her leaving me behind.
Will she forget about me when she’s gone? My chest begins to tighten as I come to terms with the fact I’m now losing my best friend.
“I know that look, babe. I already told you everything will work out for us. Don’t be sad. They found you a place too.” She says, causing me to look into her eyes.
Raising my brows, I look over at Ms. Gina. She is standing there talking with the new staff. She locks eyes with me, nodding a yes, letting me know it”s true.
“We won’t be at the same place but we will be close to each other.” She says, holding my hands in hers.
“Really?” I ask, shifting on my feet. I’m still nervous about this whole thing.
“I don’t have all the details yet. I saw you and had to come get you.” Jo says just as we hear Ms. Gina calling us over.
“As I’m sure you heard, we found you both a place to go.” Ms. Gina smiles at us. “You won’t be at the same place. We still have to run background checks and clearances, but as long as everything checks out you both will be in your new homes by the end of next week.”
We both smile, tears filling our eyes.
“I’ll make sure to get you all the information you need and schedule a meet and greet on Monday. Congratulations girls.” Hugging us both before she tells us goodbye and leaves for the night.
“I can’t believe it. This is it. Now all we have to do is make it until next week. Let’s get some sleep.” Jo says as we separate, heading toward our own rooms.
Things are starting to finally look up.