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Post by melon head. on May 7, 2008 2:51:25 GMT -5
'I don't know,' Kit choked. 'I- I-' she paused to exhale and shudder. 'I just feel like, I dunno, B-Bertrand likes me or something. I know it seems unreasonable, but he always acts so oddly around me, and when Esme feels like this for him, and then Dewey and I, and-' She shook her head. 'That and I feel awful. I'm seeing things.'
Lemony and Bertrand were suddenly at the door. Kit shot Lemony a meaningful look.
'Why don't you tell Bertrand what's going on?' Lemony asked Beatrice. 'I need a private word with my sister.'
Beatrice took Bertrand's hand, a thoughtless gesture that proved to be quite awkward between the two friends, and lead him out of the room. Beatrice glanced at kit quickly, wearing an expression that clearly meant, "Why did I do that?"
'Look at you,' Lemony said sadly. 'How are you feeling?'
'Yeah, no, I don't know,' Kit said with a struggle. 'Lemony... does Bertrand like me?'
'Why yes, of course.'
'No, as in- love, like.'
Lemony sighed. 'Kit, what I'm about to tell you remains within the confines of the Snicket family only, okay?'
'Oh no,' Kit moaned, 'He does like me.'
'In a matter of speaking, yes. He's been in love with you since the second grade.'
Kit shook her head. 'But Esme- he caught me- Dewey- no, Lemony, please be lying.'
Dewey strode into the room with Kathy at his wake. 'Here she is,' he announced.
'Oh, good Lord,' Kathy said.
Beatrice and Bertrand were still talking outside. Esme had to see the principal. Bertrand was in love with Kit, and here Kit was, depressed and ill, wishing that it all would just shut up.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on May 7, 2008 21:06:26 GMT -5
Beatrice did not say a word until she and Bertrand had come to the commons room and were sitting down in two separate armchairs.
Bertrand was the first to speak.
“So,” he asked, “what’s going on with Kit?”
“You mean besides being ill?” Beatrice asked. “Bertrand, I don’t mean to sound critical, but it’s become very clear to me that Kit is absolutely beside herself over what happened this morning outside.”
“You mean when she fainted and I caught her? What else was I supposed to do, Beatrice? Let her fall and crack her head open on the concrete?”
“No, Bertrand, of course not! I’m only stating the obvious. You do know that she and Dewey are a couple, don’t you?”
“Well, of course I do,” Bertrand replied. “They’ve been going together for nearly two years now. I expect the entire student body— as well as the teachers —would be aware of their courtship.”
“So why must you insist on ruining it?” inquired Beatrice.
“I’m afraid I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about, Beatrice Taylor.”
“Are you sure about that?”
Bertrand looked away.
“You’re in love with Kit,” Beatrice said. “Aren’t you?”
Bertrand turned back. “What makes you say that?”
“I saw the way you reacted when she fainted. You were so quick to catch her. If you hadn’t been there, I fear that she could have been seriously injured.”
“I’ve always loved her,” Bertrand admitted. “Ever since we were children.”
“Have you?” Beatrice said.
“Yes.”
“I see.”
“I had always hoped,” Bertrand continued, “that someday I could make her mine, but then Dewey came along, and she seemed to have eyes only for him.”
“I know someone who feels for you what you feel for Kit,” said Beatrice.
“Who?”
“Esmé Salinger.”
Bertrand’s eyes widened. “Really?” he asked in disbelief. “How long has she felt this way?”
“Since our freshman year,” Beatrice said.
“I would never have guessed Esmé felt anything like that for me. She hides it well.”
“Not really. Why do you think she’s always trying to get you to accompany her places?”
“I had always just assumed she liked the company,” replied Bertrand.
“Well, there’s a reason for that,” Beatrice said.
“So I see.”
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Post by melon head. on May 10, 2008 1:56:09 GMT -5
He might as well stick a bullet into my brain.
As Bertrand and Beatrice re-entered the room, Kit felt her eyes fall down wards. Like she would ever be able to meet the eyes of Bertrand ever again after this. It was like Benedict and Hero from Much Ado About Nothing. They would never have even considered something like this- two acquaintances, never anything more.
'You need to get out of here,' Kathy said to Kit, who had worked up a sweat to match that of a professional athlete. Beatrice and Lemony both shot the nurse terrified looks.
Kit was being shunned from the room, Kathy dragging her along like she was a sack, Lemony holding her hand, a strong yet reassuring figure supporting her back. Kit wondered who it was, and her stomach churned as she realized that it was Bertrand.
'I think I can walk,' she decided, taking an unsteady step. An incredible sense of Deja Vu was upon her, as she fell towards the ground for the second time that day. This time it was Lemony that caught her, much to her relief.
'No, you can't,' he said mildly, and leaned her against him. He craned his neck warningly at Bertrand, who was smart enough to read the signs, and stayed behind.
They limped down to sick wing, where Kathy dialed for an ambulance.
'It's not that bad,' she assured Beatrice, who was horrified beyond words. 'I just can't drive right now. An ambulance would be the safest option.'
So an ambulance arrived within five minutes. A friendly-enough looking man helped Kit inside, promising Lemony that he would be able to visit with his parents tomorrow. Then they were gone.
'It's going to be okay,' Lemony told Beatrice, who had started crying quietly. He put his arm around his friend, and to his surprise, Beatrice did not shake him off. The pair walked back to the dorm building in silence, and despite the dreadfulness of the situation, there was something that made Lemony feel oddly warm and comforted.
They arrived at Beatrice's dorm, where Lemony felt almost sad to leave her. He saw Esme lying on her bed inside, and knew that Beatrice would want to talk to her friend. So, without thinking and without caring, he bent down and kissed Beatrice on the cheek. Beatrice stared at him, then disappeared into her dorm without another word.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on May 11, 2008 12:34:54 GMT -5
Esmé rolled over on her side as she listened to the door close. “Where have you been?” she asked Beatrice. “And where’s Kit?”
“On her way to the hospital,” Beatrice explained as she took a seat on her own bed, which was across from Esmé’s. “She’s very ill.”
“It’s that serious?” Esmé sat up and stared at Beatrice with wide, frightened eyes. “What’s the diagnosis?”
“No one knows. Or, if anyone does know, they wouldn’t tell me.”
Esmé stood up and went over to sit beside her friend, putting a comforting arm around her. “I’m sure Kit will be just fine,” Esmé said reassuringly. “She’s tough.”
“Something else happened,” Beatrice said.
“What?”
“Lemony. He— he kissed me.”
Esmé’s mouth dropped open. “For real?” she asked.
Beatrice nodded.
“Where did he kiss you? Was it on the cheek or on the lips? Your forehead, perhaps?”
“On the cheek,” Beatrice said. “But it was still strange. I wasn’t expecting it.”
“Did Lemony say anything after he kissed you?” Esmé questioned.
Beatrice shook her head. “No. He just walked away.”
“Where’s Bertrand?”
“He had to get to class,” Beatrice replied.
“Oh,” Esmé said.
Beatrice hoped that Esmé was not planning to ask her anymore questions concerning Bertrand Baudelaire. Beatrice had no idea how she was going to break the news to Esmé that Bertrand not only had absolutely no interest in her, but was also hopelessly in love with her best friend.
Beatrice did her best to steer the conversation in a new direction. “What did the principal have to say?” she asked.
“Just that if I continue to behave like an unsophisticated hooligan, then I’ll be kicked out of Prufrock Prep for an entire semester,” Esmé said, rolling her eyes.
“Did you point out that it was Rebecca Larson who started it?”
“Yes. But the principal said name calling wasn’t an excuse for violence.”
“Well,” Beatrice replied, “he was right, in a way. But I can’t say that I blame you for what you did.”
“Thanks,” Esmé said, and gave Beatrice a hug.
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Post by melon head. on May 12, 2008 2:47:22 GMT -5
'What was I thinking?' Lemony yelled to the empty dorm, slamming the door behind him. He had no interest in Beatrice whatsoever, it had been a completely in-the-moment idea, and now it was going to be awkward every time he saw her.
He had just meant to be comforting. He'd only kissed her to say that every thing would be alright.
Was it Kit? Everything that Kit had said about relationships had gone to his head, that must be it. It had obviously been a moment of regret, Lemony needing to do something to make sure Kit got her wish, just in case, for some reason, the youngest Snicket sibling did not turn out alright.
Dewey entered the dorm. 'Bloody Bertrand Baudelaire!' he yelled. I want to blast the brains out of that bastard!'
'Are we talking in "B"s now?' Lemony asked.
Dewey shrugged. 'Well, it's a thematic task in English. I had to think of something, so I thought I'd associate the project with my anger and concern.'
'And... why do you hate our best friend?'
Dewey lay down on his bed. 'He's in love with my girlfriend.'
Lemony scoffed. 'What- I never- where'd you get that idea from?'
Bertrand's eyebrows shot up.
'You can't hate him, Dew. It's not his fault, really. Kit's very likable.'
'Alright,' Dewey said. 'Where is Kit?'
Lemony explained the current situation, scolding Dewey briefly for not biding her goodbye as she drove away in the ambulance.
'If I'd have known, I would have been there,' Dewey pointed out.
'Oh, and guess what I did?' Lemony added. The door flew open, and in walked Bertrand. Though Dewey had admitted that it wasn't Bertrand's fault, the atmosphere seemed to drop ten degrees.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on May 12, 2008 19:15:06 GMT -5
“What?” Bertrand said, taking notice of the two solemn faces staring back at him. Lemony and Dewey exchanged looks. “Have either of you spoken to Kit?” asked Bertrand. At the mention of the name, Bertrand received a glare that could sting from Dewey, who looked ready to tackle Bertrand to the ground the next time he uttered the name of his best friend’s girlfriend. Lemony lowered his eyes to the ground. “Something wrong, Lem?” Lemony shook his head. “Dew?” said Bertrand. Dewey rolled over on his side so that he was not facing Bertrand. “What’s wrong with the two of you?” *** “What class do you have now?” Beatrice asked Esmé. “Lunch,” Esmé replied. “Me, too. Want to walk over to the cafeteria together?” “Sure, why not?” Beatrice stood up and threw her book-bag over her shoulders. “Did you ever manage to track down a new book-bag?” Esmé reached underneath her bed and pulled out a fairly new magenta book-bag, which she had already filled with her books. “I stopped by the lost and found earlier like you suggested,” she said. “This was the nicest one they had. The secretary said I could have it because no one ever claimed it. I guess I got lucky, didn’t I?” “I guess you did,” Beatrice agreed. Esmé slid off the bed and threw her (new) book-bag over her shoulders. “On our way to the cafeteria, maybe we should call Kit. What do you think?” “We could try. But she might still be in the emergency ward. She was very ill when the ambulance came and got her.” “I sure hope she’s okay,” Esmé said. “So do I,” Beatrice agreed. “Come on, let’s go.”
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Post by melon head. on May 13, 2008 15:47:51 GMT -5
When Beatrice and Esme arrived at the phone, they found it was already inhabited by Lemony. He was leaning against it drearily. They greeted him, and he muttered, 'Hey,' back.
'I'm waiting for a call from the hospital,' he explained. 'I tried before, and it went to a bizarre recording and now I'm expecting a call.'
The group waited in silence, before Lemony said, 'Dewey isn't talking to Bertrand.'
Esme went to open her mouth, but Beatrice shot her a look, and she remained silent. The phone rang.
'Hello?' Lemony yelled into the phone. He listened intently for a full minute before tears swelled in his eyes. 'I see,' he managed.
Beatrice and Esme stared at him, and he said to them weakly, 'Kit didn't make it.'
They were gone before Lemony could say anything consoling to them. Instead, he turned his attention back to the doctor on the other end of the phone, who Lemony now loathed.
'Body will need to be picked up...'
Suddenly, Lemony's misery was gone. 'Davies!' he yelled in triumph, and hung up. He sprinted to the other phone, on the other side of the school, where Paul Davies stood, the phone still in his hand.
'That is not a nice prank to pull,' Lemony said to the red-head. 'How dare you?' He couldn't pull off being angry- he was too relieved that Kit was alive.
Turning and running away, he went to find Beatrice and Esme. Doing so, he forgot about the call he was expecting from the hospital. Incidentally, the call was received by a passing by Jerome Squalor.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on May 14, 2008 18:52:12 GMT -5
“Hello?” he said. “Lemony Snicket?” came the voice of a man on the other line. “I’m afraid not. Who is this?” “This is St. Benedict’s Hospital. Mr. Snicket’s sister arrived earlier and we promised we’d call to update him on her condition.”“What is her condition?” Jerome asked. “Tell me and I’ll give him the message.” “I’m afraid that’s classified information,” said the man. “I understand.” “I can, however, give you the number of the hospital. Have Mr. Snicket call us just as soon as he can.”Jerome took down the number and then ran to find Lemony. *** Esmé was still tearful even after receiving the news that Kit’s condition was (as far as they knew) stable. Beatrice— who was still a little tearful herself —had her arm around Esmé and was offering her the handkerchief that Lemony had given Beatrice, who had only used it to wipe a stray tear from her eye. The three of them were standing in a corner of the empty hallway when Jerome came running up to them. “Lemony,” he gasped, “Kit— hospital —call —back.” “What?” Beatrice asked. Jerome held up one finger to indicate that he needed to catch his breath before explaining anything and leaned against the wall. After a minute, he turned back to Lemony and said, “The hospital just called about Kit. They refused to give me any information, but they did give me the number for you to call them back.” Jerome reached into the pocket of his blazer and handed Lemony the slip of paper on which Jerome had written down the number of St. Benedict’s Hospital. Lemony thanked him and was off and running toward the payphone in an instant. “You two look as though you’ve been crying,” Jerome said, looking from Esmé to Beatrice until at last his eyes came to rest on Esmé’s face. “What happened?” “A very cruel practical joke,” Beatrice said. “Oh?” “Paul Davies,” Esmé said in a sniveling voice. “He pretended to be the hospital and told us that Kit was— that she was dead!” Just saying the word caused Esmé to burst into tears all over again. “That’s horrible,” Jerome exclaimed, shocked. “Why would he do such a terrible thing?” “Isn’t it obvious?” Beatrice asked. “Paul Davies is a terrible person. Terrible people do terrible things.” Esmé went right on sobbing. Beatrice turned to Jerome. “Take care of her, will you? I’m just going to check on Lemony.” Jerome nodded and watched Beatrice hurry off in the direction that Lemony had been headed in. “I’m sure Kit will be okay,” Jerome said to Esmé. She drew her hands away from her face and looked at him. It was for the first time that he noticed how blue her eyes were, the tears in them enhancing their sparkle. To his surprise, she threw out her arms and threw herself against him, sobbing into his chest. Reason for Editing: "Eyes" away from her face? Argh, I meant "hands"! God, I'm so embarrassed. XD
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Post by melon head. on May 16, 2008 4:05:56 GMT -5
[You called the hospital St Benedict's! I adore you!] Lemony was hardly aware of his fingers as they dialed in the number Jerome had given him. To his relief, the phone at the other end was picked up on the first ring. ' St Benedict's Hospital,' came an important but lazy voice. 'This is Lemony Snicket, my sister Kit was brought to your hospital in serious condition-' ' Ah. yes, Mr Snicket. Well, we have a basic analyzation of your sister's condition right here.' 'Excellent.' ' However, it is classified information and we will need to have some kind of proof that you are, indeed, Lemony Snicket. Is their a number we could use to contact your parents or guardians?' Lemony gave the man on the other end of the phone his home number in anguish, before slamming down the receiver. He waited impatiently before the phone rang again, and sighed at the sound of his mother's soothing voice. ' She's fine, Lemon, she'll make a full recovery.' Lemony was beyond relief. It was all he could do to stay standing, ignoring the pet name is mother had deemed upon him. 'She'll have to go in for more tests, and will need to take frequent medication that will make her quite drowsy, but at least she'll live.' 'So... what's wrong with her?' 'It seems to be a serious kind of fever or a reaction, but as to what caused it remains inconclusive. We can visit her tomorrow if you'd like.' Lemony told her he would, and after a brief farewell, hung up. He then turned and found himself face to face with Beatrice. 'Hi,' he said, as she did the same. There was an endless silence that stretched out until Lemony broke it by saying, 'The hospital called. Kit developed an allergic reaction to something and she got a massive fever.' Beatrice smiled and nodded. After more awkward tension, she opened her mouth to talk. But instead, Lemony grabbed her cheeks and pulled her into a kiss. He had no idea what made him do it, but she did not struggle (In fact, she seemed to be enjoying their kiss). They went on, not letting go of each other. *** Esme sobbed into Jerome's chest, and Jerome looked around in confusion. When nothing happened, or when whatever he was looking for failed to show up, he retreated to uttering words of comfort into Esme's brown hair. Jacques entered the hall, and taken aback by the sight he was seeing, said, 'Am I interrupting something here?'
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on May 17, 2008 17:21:22 GMT -5
[Thanks! St. Benedict’s was actually the name of the hospital in “The Return” that Carmelita went to when she starvesd herself.] Jerome looked up to see the boy with the single eyebrow from science class. “It’s quite alright,” Jerome said. “Esmé here is just a little distraught over Kit’s illness, so I’m calming her down.” Jacques asked Jerome if he had seen Lemony, and Jerome pointed the other boy in the direction of the payphones. “He was on his way to telephone the hospital,” Jerome explained. “Beatrice went with him.” Jacques thanked Jerome and then hurried off to find his brother. Esmé was still sniffling, and Jerome ushered her down onto the floor where they both sat; she with her face against his chest, and he with his arms around her. “I’m sure that Kit will be just fine,” Jerome said. “Here.” Loosening one arm from around Esmé, Jerome dug around inside his pocket for his handkerchief. He soon found it, and offered it to Esmé. “Thank you,” she said, taking the handkerchief from him and drying her tears. “You’re very kind.” Jerome sat back and stared at Esmé. She was certainly the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and he had been around plenty of girls. But none of them had ever been able to match what Esmé had— not her kindness or charm, and especially not the deep concern she apparently had for her friend. Jerome was just about to ask Esmé if she wanted anything from the cafeteria when she looked up and met his eyes. Without warning, she leaned forward and kissed him softly on the cheek. For a long moment Jerome just stared, surprised and unable to speak. For this was the closest he had ever come to kissing a girl, and he was not at all sure how to respond. All he could do was touch the spot where Esmé had kissed him, his face completely expressionless. *** Beatrice was standing together with Lemony in the hallway by the payphone, her arms curled around his back while her head continued to rest against his shoulder. “I had no idea that you felt this way, Lemony,” Beatrice said. “Up until now, you’ve always been so quiet. Won’t Kit be surprised when we—” They were interrupted by sprinting footsteps, and looked up to see Jacques jogging toward them. “Jacques,” Beatrice said.
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Post by melon head. on May 17, 2008 19:12:21 GMT -5
[Gha! I completely forgot! Okay... long post from me.] 'Nothing!' Lemony exclaimed. Beatrice raised her eyebrows. 'Nothing what?' Jacques asked. Lemony turned red. Obviously, he had forgotten to wait for Jacques to ask him what he was doing with Beatrice before he answered. 'Nothing... is wrong with Kit. She'll be fine.' Jacques sighed. 'That's a relief,' he said. 'We can visit her tomorrow,' Lemony added. Jacques's face lit up. 'Excellent.' He seemed to be thinking hard about something. Finally, he said, 'I'm going to go make ties with Jerome. I'm sure he's a nice bloke.' He sprinted away, leaving Lemony and Beatrice alone again. 'I didn't know I felt this way about you,' Lemony said. 'Kit kept hassling me about getting a girlfriend, but I honestly never though it would be you. Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you,, I-' Beatrice smiled shyly. 'I'm late for class,' Lemony said breathlessly. He kissed Beatrice on the cheek and hurried away. *** When Kit awoke, she was in a white room. A musky smell tickled her senses unpleasantly, and she groaned. 'Miss Snicket! You're awake!' A nurse was leaning over Kit, grinning stupidly. With a groggy burst of realization, Kit figured she was in the hospital. 'You have visitors,' the nurse went on. She tottered away, out of Kit's restricted vision, and returned with Lemony, Jacques and Jacob. 'Hey, Kitty,' Jacob said, stroking his daughter's forehead. 'Dad,' Kit muttered. 'I haven't seen you... since...' 'You last saw me five years ago,' her father reminded her. 'My God,' Kit murmured. 'Where's Mother?' Jacob exchanged glances with his sons. 'Your mother broke down after she spoke to Lemony yesterday, and we decided it would emotionally be too hard to see you like this. She wouldn't be able to let you return to school, nor participate in V.F.D. activities.' 'Oh.' Lemony stepped forward. 'Esme, Dewey and Beatrice are coming in later this afternoon to visit.' 'Great,' Kit said. 'Why not Bertrand?' Lemony bit his lip. 'Bertrand thinks that it would be best not to see you for a while.' Kit nodded knowingly, and closed her eyes.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on May 18, 2008 18:13:11 GMT -5
[It’s okay! I love long posts. ] All day long, Esmé’s eyes had continuously wandered to the clocks on the walls of the classrooms. She had done her best not to attract the attention of her teachers, but in the end had done so. Thankfully, however, the only thing Esmé had received from her teachers were a stern look along with “Please pay attention, Miss Salinger.” Esmé had been hoping that her teachers would be more understanding considering the situation with Kit. Even so, the administrative staff of Prufrock Preparatory School did not view this as a valid excuse for a meager attention span. “They were giving me looks all day long,” Esmé complained to Beatrice later on that afternoon as they made their way across the grounds toward the dormitory to meet Dewey. “Well, I’m not surprised,” said Beatrice. “Along with your eyes, your mind was also wandering.” “I couldn’t help it. I’m worried about Kit.” “I spoke with Bertrand during lunch. Lemony called him earlier and assured him that Kit’s recuperation is satisfactory.” “Bertrand is coming with us to the hospital, isn’t he?” Esmé asked hopefully. Beatrice shook her head. “I’m afraid not,” she said. Esmé came to an abrupt halt. “Why not?” Having absolutely no desire to explain how Esmé’s crush was in love with her best friend, Beatrice changed the subject. “We’d better hurry. Dewey said he’d be waiting for us by the front doors of the dormitory and that a taxicab would be arriving shortly.” Neither of the two girls said anything more and continued on their way. *** Esmé, Beatrice, and Dewey all pitched in for the cost of the taxicab, which let them off on the curb in front of St. Benedict’s Hospital. They hurried up the steps and burst through the front doors. They stopped briefly at the front desk to inquire about the room that Kit Snicket was staying in, as well as to pick up three visitor’s passes. After they received their information and the passes, the three friends made their way down the hallway to the elevators. “I hate hospitals,” Esmé commented on their way up to the fourth floor, which was where Kit’s room was located. “And I still don’t see why Bertrand couldn’t come with us.” Dewey shot Beatrice a worried look. “He had a lot of studying to do,” she answered quickly. Esmé was shocked. She would have thought that Bertrand Baudelaire had more compassion than that. “He’d rather study than visit his best friend’s sister?”
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Post by melon head. on May 19, 2008 2:57:42 GMT -5
[Well, I hope you don't mind a super short one now. Sorry about this.]
'You know Bertrand,' Dewey said viciously. 'He can be a jerk at times. Once you get over his selfish attire and his desire to rob people of the things they love most, however, he's a good guy.' He stopped, wrenching the door of Kit's ward open. 'A great guy.'
Esme and Beatrice entered the room, petrified. Esme in particular looked annoyed, but her expression went blank as she saw her best friend.
Kit lay on her bed, her eyes half closed. Her hair was untamed and wild, and grey shadows loomed under her eyes. Her cheeks were blotchy and red. Beatrice and Esme both whimpered as they saw their friend, and hurried over to the bed.
'She's a bit tired,' Lemony said cautiously, as the girls bombarded Kit with words of comfort. Esme caressed Kit's hand, and Beatrice stroked her cheek, both sobbing.
'Hey,' Kit said. She froze, staring at Esme and Beatrice. 'Oh, no. Please don't cry. No...' and she started crying too.
Lemony and Dewey both went to comfort Kit, and when Dewey reached her first, Lemony comforted Beatrice instead. This left Jacques to comfort Esme, to the pair's great discomfort. Esme seemed to appreciate his hesitant pat on the back, and the group cried quietly together.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on May 20, 2008 18:53:45 GMT -5
[“Super short” posts are just fine! I don’t expect you to do long ones all the time. And oh, my God I just made a rhyme! ] “When will you be getting out?” Esmé asked finally. Kit looked to Beatrice and Lemony with the hope that one of them would be willing to answer Esmé’s question. “Soon,” Beatrice said. “Won’t you, Kit?” Kit nodded. “What about school?” Beatrice asked. “You will be able to return once you’re released from here, won’t you?” Kit looked away. Esmé couldn’t stand it, and tore herself from the flimsy grip Jacques had on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?” she demanded desperately as fresh tears ran down her cheeks. “Something must be, or else you wouldn’t be refusing to talk to us like this! What is it, Kit? Why aren’t you telling us anything?” “Esmé,” Beatrice said in a failed attempt to get Esmé to lower her voice. Esmé ignored Beatrice and instead strode over to the bed. Esmé pushed by Lemony and reached to take Kit’s hand. “We haven’t heard from you or anything concerning your condition since yesterday,” Esmé continued in a calmer voice. “Please, Kit. If you know something, then won’t you tell us?”
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Post by melon head. on May 23, 2008 1:40:48 GMT -5
'I don't know that I'll be coming back to Prufrock Prep!' Kit exclaimed, surprised that such a long sentence should be able to come out of her mouth.
Lemony groaned, Jacques clenched his teeth, and Beatrice, Dewey and Esme merely stood in aghast.
'We don't know for sure,' Lemony told them. 'Just relax for a moment, she may well be coming back-'
'Why the hell wouldn't she come back?' Dewey demanded.
'Well, there's a chance that it was a mental issue due to stress and depression that Prufrock Prep may have caused-'
'Are you calling Kit mental?'
Would you shut up for five seconds and let me talk?'
Dewey threw out his hands defensively, and Lemony went on, 'In her head, she's quite unstable, and not in a terrible life-altering way, but in a way that can cause some sickness in the rest of her body. The doctors think that Prufrock Prep is the reason behind it, because of the enormous amount of pressure put on to her.'
'Hold the phone, ' Jacques interjected, 'What kind of pressure?'
'As well as her participation in every co-curricular program in the last three years, as well as the stress her family is putting on her to do well, plus the added bonus of the requirements of the school.'
'No, you're right, because I would never be an over-achiever at a different school,' Kit snapped.
'Well, according to the therapist you saw an hour ago-'
'Therapist?' Dewey cut in.
'That's right,' Kit sighed.
'Ye, well according to him-'
'Him?' Dewey clarified.
'He's fifty-something,' Kit told him wearily.
'Yes, well, he thinks that Kit craves attention.'
'Which is a lie.'
'I'm not so sure. Maybe, somewhere deep down, you do seek the attention of those around you, and that's why you need to leave Prufrock Prep.'
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