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***
We’re so late to the party, and I’m covered in sand somehow despite the rugs and blankets, but I’m way too blissed out to care. When we get to the old chapel, I stand just inside the doors, I watch in amazement at my fellow students enjoying themselves. The leavers’ party is in full swing. This is it. I’ve completed my year here and taken revenge on those who’d hurt my sister. I’m almost done. Almost, but not quite.
It was stupid to have a party in a church. Especially in the school chapel that was far out on the edge of the school’s land on the other side of the woods. The students always moan that it takes a good twenty minutes to walk here, but it’s tradition to sneak off and party here on the last night of term. Like most things at this school, it’s another event that the staff are aware of, but turn a blind eye to. Which is perfect for me.
The church has been gutted, most of the old wooden pews removed to make room for dancing, but the few that remain are pushed out along the to the edge of the walls. Currently, couples are making out along them, and one is being used to cut and snort lines of coke. I stay clear of that. The alter’s been set up as a bar, although every available surface in the chapel appears to be groaning under the weight of the myriad of booze that is on offer. A group of guys are doing tequila body shots off a half-naked girl who’s stretched out on the large marble altar. I steer clear of that too. The thousands of candles that litter the room give the space a shadowy hedonistic feel, and the students are definitely feeling that vibe with the way they’re celebrating. The air’s electric with people doing far more than kissing in the dark corners. I have to admit, the coloured stained glass windows look beautiful in the low light. But aside from that, the party isn’t really doing it for me.
At the centre of the dance floor, the five princesses dance seductively, reunited once more. They command the attention of almost everyone in the room. Everyone from our year group is here, except Michael, who asked to meet me later. My four guys are set up behind the altar at a makeshift table, playing cards and ignoring everyone else. I half expected them to be playing poker or something, but when I went over to them it turned out they weren’t gambling at all.
“Hey guys, what’s going on?”
“This party blows,” Rebel scowls.
“Yeah, can we leave?” Thorn adds.
“But there’s fireworks at midnight.” I pout. “I’d love to stay and see them.”
“What time is it?” Jax asks.
“A quarter to.”
“Okay Princess, for you we can just about stomach another fifteen minutes,” Rebel smirks with a wink.
“Thanks!” I smile at them. “Do you guys want a drink or anything?” They all shake their heads no. “Okay, well I’m going to grab a pop and have a dance before we head out.”
Ace offers to come with me, already halfway to his feet, but I shake him off, insisting that he stay and finish his game. Rebel stands and drags me close to him for a dance. I don’t fight. He holds me so close that my body instantly moulds to him despite the heat. He liquefies me at the slightest touch. He bends his head to whisper in my ear, and I strain to hear what he’s saying. It takes a moment for me to realise that he’s singing the lyrics of the song to me. Something about waiting and stargazing and not giving up. It’s so romantic I want to cry. I try to listen carefully so that I can look up the song later.
My heart hurts.
I kiss Rebel at the end of the song and walk away, promising him I’ll be back soon. I feel his eyes on me the whole time, so I head to the toilet to catch my breath. After waiting a few minutes I head back out. As I slowly make my way across the room, I make sure I’m seen by several people. I smile, I wave, I compliment dresses. Then I loiter by the door for a few minutes. It’s eating into my precious time, but it’s so important that I’m not seen.
Just as I’m about to slip out of the door, I catch one of the large towering pillar candles that line the entryway with my elbow. It teeters and topples, crashing to the ground. I freeze, sure that someone will notice. But no one does. The party continues to rage on, everyone oblivious as the candle flame catches, dances and starts to spread. I walk out of the door, closing it firmly behind me.
I hesitate for a split second, the old gilt key in my hand.
For Lizzie.
I take a deep breath, strengthen my resolve, and slip the key into the lock. I turn it, wipe my fingerprints from the key, then turn and walk away into the mild summer night. There are other exits. I made sure of that. But I also know that this location is inaccessible by vehicles and help is far away.
What was it Rebel said?
If someone fucks with the people you love, burn them all to the ground?
Consider it done. Because as far as I’m concerned, there’s no line to overstep where vengeance is concerned. I don’t care about collateral damage. Every single person in that church was responsible for Lizzie’s death, in one way or another, even if it’s merely by inaction. Sitting by and watching while Lizzie was destroyed by the bullies of this school. Fuck them all. They deserve to suffer too.
Now I just have to take care of one last thing.
Lizzie’s Journal
May 26th
I think last night was the final straw. Since the party I’ve completely kept a low profile, and yet I’m still being targeted. After everything that’s been done to me, it was the stupidest thing that broke me - though isn’t it always? We keep going and going until we’re triggered and we snap.
My trigger?
Paper slipped under my door.
I told you it was ridiculous, Sis.
