Eleven

"I thought you weren't going to school," Kaylee said, staring at her phone screen and typing something.

Caitlin sighed. "To be honest, that's what I wanted," she said, noticing a nearby glass of milkshake. "But if I don't go to school, then I will be left behind in many lessons. And I have to try hard to catch up"

"Right" Kaylee nodded and put her phone on the table. "And how lucky you are, we don't have Mr. Brooks' class today," she said, reaching for a nearby drink and sipping it.

"If there's a history lesson today and it's in the first hour then I'd rather not go to school. Then I'll be late and be punished by the teacher" Caitlin said. Then she turned. "By the way how was your date last night?"

"Going smoothly as I wanted" replied Kaylee nodding her head. "And it's because of Grace"

"Because of Grace?" Caitlin frowned.

"Yeah." Kaylee nodded. "She helped me overcome the nervousness and unconfident that haunted me. She even gave me advice when I was confused about what clothes to wear. So the date went the way I wanted it to," she explained, looking straight ahead.

Caitlin nodded. "I don't wonder why she could, because she's experienced when it comes to dating. Especially when it comes to anniversaries," she said, looking around the crowded cafeteria.

"Right, different from us" Kaylee replied nodding her head. "Then what did you do last night? Did you and Grace spend the night together?" she asked, turning to look at Caitlin who was sitting next to her.

"No." Caitlin shook her head. "I choose to watch movies at home all night. Honestly, I want to go to the grill but I remember today is a school day. And if I spend the night there then I will wake up later than this morning"

"Hi"

Caitlin immediately turned and saw Theo who was standing next to her.

"Hi, Theo" Caitlin smiled.

"Sorry if I bothered you guys," Theo said. "I just wanted to ask, do you guys know where Grace is?"

"Are you kidding me?" Caitlin frowned. "You came here just to look for Grace?" she asked. Then she sighed. "Come on, Theo, the girl in this school isn't just her"

"Sorry, but I was looking for her. And I thought, she was with you" replied Theo.

"She's in the library," Kaylee said, turning to Theo. "She said she wanted to enjoy her break time there. That's why she wasn't with us."

Theo nodded. "Okay, thanks. I'll be there. Sorry, I wasted your time" she said. Then she turned around and quickly walked away.

"Sometimes I envy Grace" Caitlin mumbled, causing Kaylee to turn to look at her. "She always manages to steal the attention of the handsome and popular boys in this school, including Cam and the new student. Even though she's just an ordinary girl, I didn't lose to her. But why do those guys prefer her over me?"

Kaylee sighed, turning to stare at a nearby glass of drink. Then she took a sip without saying anything.

***

"Then see you next time. And good afternoon" a man said, looking at the students in front of him. Then he turned around and walked out of the classroom.

"Finally" Caitlin heaved a sigh of relief and leaned back in the chair she was sitting on. Then she turned to Kaylee who was sitting on her left. "How about after this we stop by the cafe?"

"I think that's a good idea" Kaylee replied nodding her head. "We can chat while relaxing there"

"Right." Caitlin nodded and agree. Then she turned to look at Grace who was sitting in front of Kaylee. "How about you Grace? Are you coming with us?"

"Sorry, but I can't," Grace replied, turning to Caitlin. "Because I have something to do. Maybe next time" she said with a smile etched on her face. Then she got up from her position, put the bag on her shoulder, and immediately left.

Kaylee immediately rose from her position, turned to Caitlin, and raised an eyebrow.

But Caitlin just shrugged and watched Grace walk out of the classroom.

"If I may ask, where is she going?" Theo asked, making the two girls turn to look at him.

"I don't know." Kaylee shook her head. "She said she had something to do. But I don't know what it is."

"She's weird like that sometimes. So we weren't surprised" Caitlin said, making Theo turn to look at her.

***

"Right, this is the girl's house" Grace muttered, nodding her head and looking at the house in front of her. Then she reached out and knocked on the door.

"I hope she's home," she said to herself and looked around the deserted-looking surroundings.

She turned her head when she heard the sound of a key turning and she could see that the door was open.

"Hi" she smiled and looked at the girl standing in front of her. "Sorry, I wanted to ask, is this Danica Hudson's house?"

"Yes, that's right. And I'm Danica" replied the girl nodding her head.

"Nice to meet you, Danica." Grace smiled. "I'm Grace, and I have a few questions I'd like to ask you"

"Please come in" the girl named Danica nodded and shifted from her position.

"Thank you" Grace replied with a smile that didn't fade from her face. Then she stepped into the house.

As for the girl, she immediately closed the door and turned around. "Please have a seat," she said, causing Grace to turn to face her.

Grace nodded, paused, and sat down on a nearby chair.

"Wait a minute, I'll-"

"No need," Grace interrupted. "I won't be long," she said, looking at the girl and smiling.

Danica nodded and sat on a chair near Grace. "If I may ask, what would you like to ask?"

"This has something to do with Turner," Grace replied, making the girl frown. Then she sighed. "I apologize for being presumptuous and perhaps not polite. We have never even met before. But I must know some facts about your boyfriend's death."

"If I may ask, who are you? And why do you want to know about my boyfriend's death?" Danica asked, looked at Grace, and frowned.