The Apartment
Chapter 15: Thief
I must be cursed. This is the worst term of my life…
Mary sat, head bowed, shoulders hunched outside the Matron’s office. Her two, new, favorite companions; SADNESS and DESPAIR, caressed at her heart, willing her to break down.
I will not.
Upon her, were the condescending, distrusting and angry glares of her housemates. They spoke within ear shot of her.
“I can’t believe I trusted her!” said one icy voice with a forced twang.
“Yeah! Like, she’s been stealing underwear, deo… OMG!” another added.
Mary frowned and clenched her trembling fists.
I didn’t do it.
“Would you believe it?” another excited voice said, “Yesterday, her roommate also found the house prefects’ lost watch in her cupboard. I am so shocked!”
Mary shut her eyes and counted, struggling to steady her breath. Every inch of her ached to fight for her honor.
Just as she calmed down, she sensed it. The tingling feeling you get when someone’s watching you. A chill ran down her spine. She snapped her head up and looked around. Esther’s face sprouted from the crowd looking directly at her.
What…is that look? huh! I don’t need your Pity?
Turning her face away from Esther, she caught her new roommates’ pleased smile and stare. The girl was leaning against a wall in the shadows.
The matron’s door flew open and a group of girls walked out, each glaring at Mary before storming off.
“MARY…” the matron Bellowed.
She stood up reluctantly. It was the moment of truth.
*****
“I am not a thief! I didn’t steal those things…,” Mary insisted, her palms sweaty, “I swear!”
“You don’t seriously believe her”, her new roommate chimed in, pointing her finger accusingly at Mary
“Let’s not jump into conclusions…” the Matron responded.
“Conclusions?” said the roommate, incredulously looking at the Matron, “There is evidence she stole. All those things we found in her locker…what’s more….”
“Someone is framing me!” Mary cut in her voice trailing off, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Then you have nothing to worry about, Mary”, said the matron in a firm but warm voice. “I will forward this matter…”
The roommate sighed, and interrupted. “Honestly, I can’t believe you put me with such a…”
“Enough!” This time, the matron’s voice was icy and forbidding.
The girl stepped back, surprised at the sudden change in tone
“I have never stolen in my whole life…. I…I am certainly not a thief!” Mary’s voice quivered.
“Tomorrow morning…” instructed the Matron, “You two will accompany me to the headmistress’ office. For now, go to bed.”
The girl walked out first. Mary followed.
As she passed by the bathroom door, she was bombarded with a splash of cold liquid. It was dirty water from the rag bucket in the bathroom.
“Aaaarghh” screamed Mary, spitting profusely and cursing.
“Thief!” a voice accused, amid giggles, snickers and laughter. Stunned and confused, Mary looked around, frantic. These contorted faces used to smile at her. These girls were once her friends.
She wiped the water from her face and tried to speak. Everyone fell silent
Her mind was blank. She burst out into mirthless laughter.
“What? aren’t you going to defend yourself?” someone taunted.
Mary turned around, searching for the voice and once again, her eyes met Esther’s. A girl snickered to Esther’s Left drawing Mary’s attention.
Must be her. she concluded.
Mary’s frustration was boiling over. Her iron clad control was failing. She clenched her fists, ready for a fight and looked around to see who else wanted in…
Then she noticed Esther’s eyes burning with anger despite her calm demeanor. Her fists were clenched as well. She was not looking at Mary but at the accuser. Mary unclenched her own fists.
You’re really kind, Esther. She thought sadly, then swallowed her pride and walked away.