[center][color=2D9677][h1][b]C H L O E   B R O N S E[/b][/h1][/color]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/aqlacpv.jpg[/img][/center]


[COLOR=2D9677][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]M A T H E R   M E M O R I A L   H I G H
[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][/COLOR][hr][indent][sup][color=silver]Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 - 03:00pm | Hallways[/color][/sup][/indent]

[indent][color=silver]"We want you to come out with us tonight."[/color] Chloe's eagerness to leave the classroom evaporated with the first syllable. She looked up to see Hannah Ellis leaning against [i]her[/i] locker, Gabby in toe. 

Chloe scoffed and gently pushed her shoulder, she moved away willingly enough but remained too close for comfort.

[colour=2D9677]"You two are going to help look for Stewart?"[/colour] The thought was about of absurd as Ellis showing up at Chloe's locker. Especially after the latter had been explicit about her lack of desire to have a friendly relationship.  Multiple times in fact.  But Hannah Ellis had never really had practice in the word 'no'. 

She rolled her eyes and Chloe promptly shrank three inches.  [color=silver]"No that's just the excuse everyone's using to get out. We're having a cheer meet up, and want you to join."[/color]

[colour=2D9677]"Weren't your tryouts weeks ago?"[/colour] It was impossible to ignore Hannah, but Chloe managed to avoid looking at her and focused on her locker combination.  It wasn't really a surprise, they'd been trying to get her to join since junior year.  Then at least she'd had her trips to New York as an excuse. 

[color=silver]"Can always make an exception for special cases.  Besides, word is we'll be needing a replacement in a few months."[/color] The comment was ominous, and prompted and snicker from Gabby that made Chloe's skin crawl.

[colour=2D9677]"What are you planning exactly?"[/colour] Chloe looked at the two of them as her locker opened, Gabby all excited smiles, Hannah watching her too closely.  

[color=silver]"A little tradition is all.  Initiations from the seniors for the new recruits."[/color] A hazing. Chloe glared at her.

[colour=2D9677]"How stupid do you think I am Ellis?"[/colour] 

[color=silver]"Relax Chloe, you're one of use right? We just want you to come down and help out. Who knows maybe you'll even have a good time."[/color]

Chloe didn't respond and took her time moving her books into her locker. She briefly considered holding onto the pass-card, but opted to leave it behind as well rather than draw any attention from the other girls. It didn't take long for Hannah to lose her patience.

[color=silver]"We're meeting at the graveyard behind St. Betran's. Be there at 6:30."[/color] Finally a smile broke through her too-still face.  It might have even seemed genuinely friendly to someone that hadn't been subject to Hannah's torment before. 

Chloe put less effort into making her own believable but did wave after Gabby as she made one final plea for her to come. They were lost in the hallway crowds before Chloe slammed her locker shut and leaned her forehead against the cool metal. She hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath.[/indent]

[COLOR=2D9677][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]B R O N S E   R E S I D E N C E:[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][indent][sup][color=silver]Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 - 6:10 PM[/color][/sup][/indent]
[indent]The Madden boots were missing.  Chloe stared at the collection of ill-gotten shoes at the bottom of her closet in disgust, perfectly aware that with every passing second she was growing later.  Maybe it was the last remnant of self-preservation against Hannah Ellis. Not that she had anything to be afraid of anymore. Not really. She pulled an alternate pair of long black suede boots and red skirt to change into.  

[color=silver]"Chloe!"[/color] Chloe pushed past her mother just as she opened it and looked her up and down  "Are you going out? You're father's gone so I was thinking we could order in and talk about your first day." 

[colour=2D9677]"Sorry mom, can't. Everyone's out looking for Kaitlyn tonight."[/colour] Mrs. Bronse frowned at the back of her daughters head. 

[color=silver]"You need heels and lipstick to join a search party?"[/color]

[colour=2D9677]"One of my teachers wanted the entire class to go."[/colour]

[color=silver]"I don't really feel comfortable with you being out there Chloe, whatever happened to that girl..."[/color] Chloe's features softened as she turned to her mother, still carrying Thomas in her arms. She could never quite shake the feeling of betrayal that came with lying to her mother. 

[colour=2D9677]"Teachers and parents will be around mum, nothing to worry about promise. But I gotta go."[/colour] She gave both a quick kiss on the cheek and took the stairs down to the street two at a time.[/indent]