Episode 45: Scene Five
Savannah made her way slowly down the stairwell. She stopped for a moment to peek out of the window at the rising sun. Gold and illustrious, she longed to be able to drift away on the backs of the wind, to escape the tauntings, the cruelty, and the pain. Savannah knew deep down that things weren't going to get any better anytime soon. A tiny sigh escaped her lungs. If only she had the power to change things.
Two girls were laughing as they made their way up the stairs. Their giggling died away when they spotted Savannah. They took extra care to make sure they didn't brush up on her when they passed her. She saw them turn to whisper towards each other after they passed her, but Savannah knew that they were talking about her. Clutching her backpack strap tighter, she walked on.
"Savannah! Wait up!" Jade shouted from her position at the top of the stairwell. "Don't take another step!"
Savannah halted without saying a word. Her eyes were blurred by the tears that she refused to let fall. She just stood upon the step as if frozen.
As soon as she reached Savannah, Jade snapped a finger in front of her face. "Hello? Earth to Savannah. Wake up, girl! Harping on this isn't going to help the situation any better. Besides, we have to think about what we're going to wear to Maya's party."
Jade had cast the bait slyly, and Savannah bit hook, line, and sinker. Her eyes locked with Jade's. "Are you serious? Maya, from back home?"
Jade threw back her head and roared. "You make it sound as if we came from Timbuktu. Yep, our ol' school bud has invited us to a party. Maya always had a heart of gold."
A slow smile lighted up Savannah's face. "Oh, I know! She's a doll! Let's see, should I wear a skirt or some jeans?"
"Wear red. It'll go with your hair."
"I have just the thing! I can't wait for tonight, Jade. We are going to have the time of our lives."
"That's more like it," Jade smiled warmly at Savannah. "See, those boys have nothing on you."
Savannah's smile dimmed. "Let's not spoil the moment," she replied quietly. "I just want to be happy over the fact that we get to go see our friends again. After everything that's happened, I say we deserve it."
"Amen, sister. I'll tell Kendall as soon as we get to school."
Savannah groaned and rolled her eyes. "Does Kendall have to go everywhere with us? I swear he's just like a little puppy dog, the way he always tags along."
"Let's not get into this now..." Jade's voice emmitted warning signals.
Savannah heaved an exhausted sigh. "Fine, let's go. But I have a few things that we need to talk about dealing with Kendall later. Serious things."