New beginning . . . gone wrong

My life used to be normal.

But then I started high school.

I began at Evergreen College early this year. The boarding school was a new adventure I had never come across. In the beginning, I was begging my parents to let me go. The opportunities looked endless! Sports, art groups, book clubs and many other activities of our interest. But then I started having my doubts. The first problem was I would not know anyone there. Most kids from my primary school were going to public schools. Second issue, The school was expensive. Really expensive. My parents reluctantly agreed, as they wanted me to have a good education.

It was just a normal Monday night. I had just finished laughing over dinner with my best friend Lydia, and was walking back to my dorm with her. I had met Lydia on the first day of school. She was a quieter girl, who really opened up once you got to know her. She had pale blonde hair, gold rimmed glasses, and an amazing musical talent. I was happy to call her my friend.

The sun was setting, and invisible paint brushes streaked the sky pink and orange like a tropical drink. A fresh breeze wafted through an open window, calming my senses. School could be stressful sometimes. I tried to push away the thought of homework. I could do it later.

“Hey Masie.” Lydia stopped walking and turned to me, twisting her pale blonde hair through her hands. “I left some of my textbooks with Lori, and I need to go back to get them from her.”

“All good, let’s head there now.” As we walked back through the dim corridor, a sudden wave of terror swept over me.

“Lydia . ..” I began to whisper. I just knew something was wrong.

I nervously pushed open the door, expecting to hear voices. Surprisingly, the room was quiet, except for a quiet sobbing sound. Without a noise, Lydia gestured towards the tall brown wardrobe, perched in the corner of the small space. I nodded, guessing she thought the sound came from there. But then she ran forward, flinging the door open.

I don't know what I expected to see. But I know I definitely didn't think that inside would be a human. They were quietly sobbing into a blanket, muffling their cries. It was a girl. More specifically, a girl called Lori. “Lori! Are you okay?”

I ran towards her, wanting to help out in this situation. The girl stopped crying, and looked up at me and Lydia.

Wait a second . . . That wasn't Lori- “Ruby?” Lydia bet me to it. “Are you ok?” I could now see I was not looking at Lori, but her almost-identical twin sister, Ruby. Lydia grabbed Ruby, pulling her onto the soft blue bed sitting against the wall. “Masie! Lydia!” Ruby gasped, tears still flowing down her cheeks. “What is it?” I responded, trying to sound calm. “It's Lori!”

She grabbed my arm with a powerful grip.

“She's Gone.”