53
Astrid
We might be over, but is it the end?
* * *
The two weeks after Victoria’s arrest go so fast.
Nicole went to a relative’s house in southwest London. Dad offered her to stay, but she refused.
Victoria pleaded guilty, but even with that, I know Dad pulled all his weight in the political ring to have her behind bars as long as possible.
After my time off school, I decided to go back. According to Dan, the entire feud about a murder’s daughter was slipped by Victoria to the journalism club, and it blew up in Nicole’s face.
Since Victoria’s story is all over the press, the secret murder’s daughter is now Nicole.
I don’t think she’ll ever return to RES or finish her senior year. And for some reason, I feel bad for her.
Like me, Nicole didn’t want this life. She only accepted it for her parent. It’s wrong for her to pay for her mother’s sins, even if Nicole can be a total bitch herself.
I’ve never seen her so broken as the day she packed her suitcases and said goodbye to Dad and I. Daniel stood by my side that day.
She didn’t look him in the eyes as she bowed her head and walked out of the door.
“Are you ever going to tell me what happened between you two that night?” I ask Dan once she’s out.
His jaw tightens. “Doesn’t matter.”
“Dan… I’m your best friend, you’re supposed to tell me these things. I’m supposed to be there for you when you’re hurt.”
“That’s a tad bit dramatic, crazy bugger. Tone it down a notch.”
“Nope. It’s written in the friendship manual. I finally read it.”
He laughs. “About time.”
I face him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“One. It’s fucking embarrassing to tell you I was drugged and might have drugged you. And oh, wait. You had an accident that night.”
“Well, we had time after, why have you never brought it up?”
“You make it sound like a disaster or that I’m traumatised.”
“You aren’t?”
He continues staring at where Nicole disappeared. “I’m not.”
“But didn’t she… assault you?”
“Not exactly.”
“Not exactly? What is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Nicole is over.”
But something tells me that’s not the case.