Chloe

I was in the middle of taking the test that would determine whether or not I passed geometry with an A. I was 3 questions away from being done when a knock at the door interrupted me. At the door stood Mrs. Johnson, one of the school’s guidance counselors. The teacher stood to speak with her. Seconds later, my test was being removed from in front of me. Mrs. Johnson told me to bring my things and follow her. I was confused but did as I was told. She didn’t say anything as I followed her down the empty halls towards the main offices. I tried to ask if I had done something wrong, but was given no answer. She walked past the head principal’s secretary and went straight for the main conference room; I followed. As I entered the room, silence followed. I was met by both the head and grade level principals, the school resource officer, and my mother. I could tell something was wrong by the sorrowful looks on their faces. I sit next to my mother. She doesn’t say anything, just stares at me with a look of dread. She takes her hands in mine and turns my chair to face hers.

“You know how Chloe and her dad were driving home from that tournament last night?” I slowly nod my head. I remember the plans Chloe, my best friend since birth, and I had been making last night for the upcoming weekend.

“Well, there was an accident—” That’s when it clicks, my mom didn’t even need to finish her sentence. I hadn’t heard from Chloe since we had made those plans. I had been left on delivered; she never does that. I don’t remember what was said after this; none of it mattered anyway, my best friend was dead.

I didn’t know what to think, how to feel, what to do, nothing. This had never been something I thought I would have to go through. How am I supposed to move forward knowing she is no longer going to be here with me?

I moved through the next couple of months on autopilot. I don’t remember much of what happened during that time, just how empty I felt. It didn’t feel real. How is it that she was gone? She was only 15, not even old enough to drive.