Chapter Text
Middle School starts again tomorrow—7th grade. I should be more excited but I’m really not. The people already suck, especially towards me. Keres and Belladonna know but they don’t really know, plus, I’ve never been the fastest at picking up on the lessons.
Belladonna is at my house at the moment, watching me from my bed as I dig through my backpack one more time. “This is the eighth time you’ve checked the contents of your bag in the past ten minutes, Em,” she says with a light snort.
I shake my head and say, “I’m just making sure I have what I need.”
“Every year this happens, and you always have what you need,” she points out. “You’re probably the most prepared out of the three of us.”
That makes me laugh. “Probably. Keres can’t plan even in a life or death situation.”
“Exactly. So stand up and ignore your bag. Spend time with your favorite person,” Belladonna says, grinning cheekily.
I stand and look at her, rolling my eyes. “I said that once, and you’re not letting it go,” I say. She snickers and stands as well, stepping close to me.
Belladonna is considerably shorter than most, but Keres and I are considerably taller than most, so we have quite the height difference. She stares up at me and hums, a faint pink on her cheeks.
I’ve noticed that recently: the looks she only gives me. “Well, it’s gotta be true, then,” she says.
“Jokes on you,” I say, leaning in a little, “it’s not true, Bella. You’re actually my least favorite person.”
“Liar,” she shoots back, glaring with a smile.
I tap her nose and giggle, “Nope, you’re wrong. I don’t lie.”
Her expression doesn’t change as she says, “I think you’re gaslighting me now.”
We both break out into laughter. She is my favorite person, and we both know it. The only problem is, nobody else likes me enough to be even close to that.
Two months later…
I can’t breathe.
Two weeks later…
Dear Keres,
Thank you, for being my friend. We were a band of misfits and not many liked us, but at least we liked each other.
If you’re reading this, I am dead. I could not handle the weight of everything, especially the kids that disliked me. You helped lighten the load, though.
It isn’t your fault.
-Ember
Dear Belladonna,
You are my favorite person. You made it bearable for me to get this far. I’m sorry, though. I know your parents suck, and I know the other kids suck, too. Keres is still there. Don’t forget each other.
I know you’ll miss me, but I’m always with you. I’ll take care of you, even when you can’t see me. Keep living your life, Bella, even when I’m gone. It’s not your fault. Nothing you did would cause this.
And we had something. Closer than friends but nothing defined. I’m glad we shared that first kiss, because you wouldn’t have done anything if I didn’t step in.
I love you, Bella. Truly, dearly, love you. And I know you can keep going without me.
-Em xoxo