Students dispersed to their classes. The morning assembly had been a memorial for the three girls that were murdered. Miss Vivienne, the school’s headmistress, had assured them that the police were on the case but it didn’t dispel the worry that a murderer was on the loose.

Skye scanned through the crowd. It wasn’t hard to find Amy’s pink hair among the common dark hairs around her but her blood immediately boiled when she found her surrounded by students.

“Out with it! I bet it was you who killed them!”

Amy flinched and trembled, “I-I didn’t-...”

“Anyone that talks to you either disappeared or dead! Who else but you that was behind it?!”

Not even a thought crossed Skye’s mind other than charging towards them and shoving them away. She stood between the students and Amy. Her teeth bared like an angry dog.

“Why can’t you just leave her alone?!” she yelled.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Skye?!” One of the girls cried, brushing off her blouse where Skye had shoved her. “Ever since you’re friends with this freak, you changed!”

“You used to be fun, but now you’re just a bore,” A boy said.

Skye was about to retort but then a tug on her shirt distracted her. She looked over her shoulder; Amy shook her head with a scowl across her face. She knew Skye would throw hands with those kids anytime but doing so would send her to detention or suspension.

With a huff, Skye turned, grabbed Amy’s hand and left them. Not before listening to some more jabs. Skye didn’t care what they said about her but her ears burned from the insults they threw at Amy.

“You don’t have to do that…” Amy muttered.

“Hmph! They’re jerks anyway! Besides, my mom likes you more than them!” Skye exclaimed proudly.

Amy fell silent, letting her best friend’s words sink into her. She looked down, smiling to herself and squeezing her hand. It was the softest of squeezes but Skye’s heart fluttered, almost felt like she would faint or burst. Her face flushed red but when she looked at Amy, she gave her the biggest grin she could muster.

“Come on! We’ll be late for class!”

Amy just smiled.