Rafe and Kie: Kook Year

Chapter 15: The Mark

Heading back into the party felt like smiling in a room full of people, knowing a murderer is waiting for you on the outside. Horrifying.

I tried to cover up my crying, but my puffy eyes exposed me. I was in no condition to entertain people any longer. I pushed through the chatting crowd, trying to find my mom. I found her talking to some red haired lady, smiling heavily from a riveting conversation.

"Mom," I say touching her arm.

"Hey Kiara! I haven't seen you all evening. Here, meet my friend Marla, she's one of the deans at Kildare Academy. This is my daughter," my mom says to the lady, practically forcing me to introduce myself.

"Hey, I'm Kiara." I force a smile.

"Well it's lovely to meet you. You're mom tells me your enjoying your time at the school," she smiles.

"Oh it's swell," I say with a tone of sarcasm.

"Marla here recommends joining clubs to boost your involvement in the school. Kiara's an excellent surfer, perhaps she can join a sport," my mom suggests.

"Unfortunately we don't have a surf team at the school but we do have a swim team. I'm sure a good surfer must be good at swimming."

"Yes, Kiara is a great swimmer."

I usually hate when my mom speaks for me. However, recent events have made me appreciate not having to talk right now.

"Well then, I hope to see you on the team," Marla smiles.

"I must get a refill on my champagne but it was lovely speaking with you Anna, and of course meeting you Kiara."

"Absolutely, I hope you have a good evening," my mom says waving goodbye.

I finally speak once Marla walks away.

"Mom, when are we leaving?"

"Leaving?! What other jokes do you have Kiara. The auction didn't even start yet. Actually, I think it's starting soon we should go grab seats." She looks around at the crowd, who are making their way to the main room.

"Seriously mom, I want to go home now," I plead.

"Why? Did something happen?" She asks concerned.

"I'm just tired, and really don't want to be here anymore." I look around nervously.

"Ok, we'll leave right after the auction," my mom says taking my arm and walking me to the main room.

I follow her with heavy feet, trying to avoid sitting through this. As we enter the room, crowds of people take seats. We sit in the middle row beside my dad.

"Pretty good turnout," he says looking around.

A young couple sits in front of us, talking about the auction.

"I heard Ward Cameron is going to make the highest bid tonight," the woman says.

"I'd hope so, he does every year," her husband responds.

"What is this event for again?" She asks.

"Pretty sure it's something to help research climate change."

"So noble of us."

I roll my eyes listening to this tone deaf conversation. These people don't even know the cause they're helping with. I feel myself getting more agitated by the second.

"Hey Kie," Sarah says sitting beside me.

"Hey Sarah, I haven't seen you all night," I say, somewhat relieved to see a friendly face who's not disturbing my peace.