Mean-Spirited

“She had always been mean-spirited, but I had never wanted this to happen to her.  I wanted her to have a long life.” I looked away from Todd as I realized I hadn’t included the important word – happy.  Brooke had always been a bully.  Had always loved to throw me under the bus if and when the time came. 

But now she was missing.  She had gone to class Thursday night and had never returned home.  Part of me still thought Brooke was planning a cruel joke, like she was watching everyone worry over her disappearance and would return from hiding the moment that would produce maximum effect.  I tried to convince myself to be upset she was missing, but at sixteen, I knew my life would be easier without Brooke’s unrelenting torture. 

“She can still have a long life.  She’s probably just stowing away only to return for maximum effect.”  I turned to Todd sharply.  It was if he had been reading my mind.  Instead of acknowledging my glance, he picked up his keys and acted like nothing had happened.  As he walked confidently toward the door, I got a sudden wave of nausea.  Todd knew about Brooke.  Knew where she was.  He was the one who made her disappear.