Possessed By The Monsters Of Thornheart Academy.

CARIS "Caris, sweetheart, your dad and I... we have decided to get a divorce." My mum reached across the table and covered my hand with hers. "We know this must be a shock, baby. But we want you to know that this has nothing to do with you-“ "I know," I said. They exchanged a glance, then my dad tried again. "It's okay if you're upset. It's okay to cry. This is a lot to process and-" "Dad." I looked up. "I'm fine." I had been waiting for this conversation for three years. My parents were never happy when they were together. I always found them arguing or cursing or ignoring each other. And I had endured it for three years. If anything, I was relieved it finally had a name. "I'm not upset," I said, and I pushed back my chair. "Can I go to my room?" They shared another glance, like they couldn’t tell if I was masking my hurt. "Of course," my mum said softly. I walked upstairs, closed my bedroom door behind me, sat down on my bed. And then, I wanted to cry. I didn't even understand why. It wasn't like it was a surprise. But now my eyes were burning, and my throat was tight, and I hated it. I pressed the heels of my hands against my eyes. “Stop it, Caris.” I mumbled underneath my breath. I was not going to do this. Not on Valentine's Day. I still had to go see Richard and I definitely did not want to go looking like a pufferfish. I took a breath, then I grabbed my jacket off the floor, checked my reflection in the mirror, carried my bag and walked back downstairs. "I’m going to Richard’s," I called out, and I was already out the door before either of them could answer. The neighbourhood was doing the most for Valentine's Day. Every other house had a wreath or a banner or a little cluster of red balloons tied to the mailbox. Kids were running around with candy hearts. Somebody's car stereo was playing something slow and romantic, and I caught the scent of roses from the flower stand three doors down. It was kind of a lot, but I didn't mind. "Morning, Caris!" called Mr. Luther from his porch. "Morning!" I waved. A little further down, Mrs. Beverly was standing at the edge of her driveway, grocery bags at her feet, eyeing the curb like it had personally wronged her. "Here, let me," I said, jogging over. I took her arm and helped her across to the other side, then handed her bags back. "You're a good girl," she told me, patting my cheek. I smiled. "Have a good day." I was almost past the little corner park when I noticed the couple near the bench. The guy was proposing and a small crowd had gathered, chanting for them. A smile formed on my lips. Love was actually a real thing that existed in the world and not just a concept from movies. Although, my parents were poor representations of that. I wasn’t going to do down that path. Richard and I have been together for two years, and I couldn’t love him any less. He was the perfect boyfriend, kind and the head of the soccer team. I was the head cheerleader so when we got together, nobody was surprised. It was a match made in heaven, people would say. I climbed the front steps of his door and I didn't knock. I never had to. His mum had given me a spare key months ago. “Richard!” I called but there was no answer. His bag was on the kitchen chair so he was definitely home. I headed upstairs to see his bedroom door was half-open. With a smile, I took a step forward but the sound that followed stopped me in my tracks. “Oh, yes! Baby, I love you so much!” Richard was groaning, the familiar sound of the bed squealing followed his grunts. My heart dropped then I started to tremble as another familiar voice cried out, “Yes, Richie! You’re the best!” The girl moaned. “Don’t stop!” I couldn’t take it anymore. I pushed the door open and the sight of my boyfriend and best friend on the bed destroyed me in more ways than one. “What THE HELL!?” I screamed and they scrambled immediately. Richard had the nerve to look annoyed. "Caris, what are you doing here?” “Don’t you f*****g ask me that!” I snapped, my entire body trembling, tears blurring my eyes. “How long have you been shagging my best friend?” Zara smirked, wrapping the blanket around her large breasts. “Three months. Don’t be a b***h about it.” I looked at her. I had known her since we were eleven. And this was how she treated me? Something snapped inside me. I grabbed his bedside lamp and hurled it towards her head. Zara screamed and ducked and Ricahrd stormed forward. "You’re crazy, you know that?” he said. "This is exactly why." I went still. "What?" "You're exhausting, Caris. You're needy and you make everything into a thing." He snapped, glaring at me. "Zara actually appreciates me." Zara wrapped her arm around him, and she was smiling. "Plus I give him s*x whenever he wants. I’m not a prude like you.” "We're done," Richard said. "We've been done. I just didn't know how to tell you." I was trembling so much, I wondered how I was still standing upright. There was a lot I wanted to say but it wasn’t worth it. They weren’t worth it. “Go to hell.” I hissed. “Both of you.” I stormed out of his house, the tears running down my face before I could help it. I was sniffling and full on bawling by the time I reached my house. What did I do to deserve this? I’ve been nothing but a loyal, loving girlfriend. Thinking back, I realised Richard agreeing to stay celibate was a trick from the start. He had probably been sleeping with other girls before Zara and that only made me feel worse. I walked to my room, relieved that my parents weren’t home, and I was about to slump on the bed when I noticed the letter. It was a thick, cream-coloured envelope that I didn't remember being there this morning. My name was written on the front in deep, dark ink and there was no return address. For a moment, I thought about throwing it away but I opened it and pulled out the card. “Dear Caris Fisher, You have been selected to attend ThornHeart Academy. The enclosed packet contains everything you need to know. If you choose to accept, call the number attached.” “What the f**k?” I whispered. ThornHeart Academy? Who were they? Some boarding school? Or maybe it was a scam? I picked it up to throw it away but I held it over the bin. Because the thing was, what exactly was I throwing it away for? To stay here with my life that was falling apart? I looked at the card again and placed it close to my chest. Maybe this was my way out.