Piranhas in Pink: Piranhas in Pink Book One

by Nova Knightley

  “It won’t be too bad,” Kyla reassured her.

  It felt so wrong to be sitting there having a casual conversation about dates and parties when a week before, a girl had died because of me. I wanted to ask how they felt about it, but I remembered the conversation I’d had with Eden earlier. No good would come of it.

  Justice and his friends came back a little while later, but they parked farther down the beach. No one said a word about them, so I guessed they were far enough away from PIP territory.

  We talked more about boys and music and upcoming school events before Kyla started gathering our discarded trash and placing it in one of the plastic bags. “We should get going. I have to get up early. Sundays are long days for me.” She rolled her eyes. “Dad says I have to be at the seven o’clock service.”

  We helped her clean up before heading back to the car. It was nice having girls to hang out with again. I had missed that. If it weren’t for Mei and Carrington Blue, I might actually like being friends with them.

  24

  My Greatest Accomplishment

  Although I loved Ms. Rosen’s class, it had become very awkward since I became a PIP. Angie wouldn’t speak to or even look at me. I guessed I couldn’t blame her. She hated the PIPs, and the PIPs hated her. She’d warned me about how horrible they were, and still, I’d chosen to become one.

  On Monday, I’d made it to class just before the bell, and the only empty seat left was beside Angie. I slid into it and gave her a small smile. She shook her head and looked in the other direction.

  I tried to forget about Angie as Ms. Rosen took her seat at the center of the class. We had a very interesting debate on the accomplishments of icons and role models, comparing the past and the present.

  “Back then,” Angie said, “people risked their lives to fight injustices and to change laws. They literally made the world better. Nowadays, all it takes is an interesting Instagram account or a reality show, and you’re a role model.”

  “Well said, Angie,” Ms. Rosen told her. “On that note, I’m assigning you a writing project.”

  The class groaned collectively. Ms. Rosen pointed to the Bainbridge banner hanging above the windows. “This is school, people. Work shouldn’t come as a surprise. I want you to write a paper on your greatest accomplishment thus far in your life. That’s it. How you choose to approach the subject is up to you. The due date will be on the website.

  “Class dismissed,” she said just as the bell rang.

  We rose from our seats and gathered our things.

  My greatest accomplishment. Trust me, Ms. Rosen. You don’t want to know.

  As the class spilled into the hallway, I hurried to catch up with Angie. Normally, I wouldn’t have cared much about the opinion of someone I’d just met, but I genuinely liked Angie. I needed her to know the conversation we’d had over grilled cheese sandwiches had been real.

  “Hey, Angie,” I said as I came up on her right side.

  She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Why are you talking to me?”

  “I wanted to clear something up. I know it’s weird that you warned me about the PIPs then I turned around and became one.”

  Angie stopped walking. “Um, I think the better word would be fake. If you wanted to know more about them because you wanted to be one of them, that’s all you had to say.” She pursed her lips and looked me up and down. “I’m usually a good judge of character, but I totally dropped the ball when it came to you.”

  She started to walk off, but I grabbed her arm. “Angie, I’m not like them. Not really. I had to become one of them for a reason.”

  Angie looked around us as everyone hurried to their next classes. “Yeah? What reason is that?”

  “I—I can’t tell you.” I wanted to tell her, but I couldn’t. Even if I did, she wouldn’t get it.

  “Listen, Lennox. I hate the PIPs. They say horrible things about me. They try to turn the school against me and always come for me when I do nothing to them but mind my own business. You’re not a bad person, but if you’re one of them, you’re guilty by association. I’m sorry.”

  With that, she stomped off, and I let her go.

  ***

  That afternoon was my first practice with the track team. It wasn’t as bad as I’d expected. The early fall brought a nice breeze that made it pleasant to be outdoors.

  As we headed to the track to begin our stretches, Eden placed her hand on my shoulder. “Remember, don’t be too fast but not so slow that you completely suck.”

  Not being too fast wasn’t going to be a problem. After the stretches, we ran two laps around the track. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy running, but I did. The other girls stayed together in a clump, but I broke away from them. Burning off energy, anger, and whatever else was inside me was exactly what I needed. Not having to listen or talk to anyone as the wind whipped through my hair helped me clear my mind.

  After the laps, we did some exercises with jump ropes, long jumps, and interval sprinting. I sucked at jumping, but I was good at sprinting.

  At the end of practice, Coach Caldwell waved us in. “There will be no practice tomorrow since everyone is encouraged to come back to school for Mei Tanaka’s candlelight vigil. It starts at seven o’clock sharp.”

  When Coach Caldwell blew the whistle, dismissing us, Kyla looped her arm around mine as we headed for the locker room. “Careful there. Coach might pick you for the first track meet.”

  Was I really that good? I hoped not. I was exhausted, but track was definitely a good way to stay in shape.

  ***

  Racking my brain, trying to think of any possible way to get out of going to Mei’s memorial, had proven to be fruitless. I had no business being there, but I felt like I had to be. A couple weeks ago, no one would have noticed whether I was there or not, but since I was a PIP, it was a different story. Of course I would be expected to show up and support Seiko.

  Being a part of student government, Eden had gone to school ahead of time to help set up. I rode with Kyla and Daniella. Seiko was coming with her family.

  The time was 6:58 when we pulled into the crowded parking lot. All the spots were full, so we parked on a grassy area at the edge of the football field. Although I should have expected it, the sight of news vans and chatty reporters followed by camera crews made me shiver.

  The girls had been quiet the entire way, and I was thankful for it. I needed the silence to process the fact that I was attending the vigil for a girl who was dead because of me. The football field would be full of people hoping and praying for her safe return, but she was never coming back.

  Four long tables bordered the football field. People lit candles and passed them out. Eden was one of them. Once Kyla’s candle was lit, I pressed the wick of my candle against hers to share the flame. We joined the crowd and waited.

  A stage had been set up on the north end of the field. On either side were two large wreaths made of flowers, the kind at funerals. At the center of the stage was a large black-and-white portrait of a smiling Mei. Seiko and her family stood at the bottom of the steps that led to the stage. On the grass before them, the chorus was gathering, all wearing their uniforms of white blouses and black slacks. Taylor Lance was front and center, fiddling with a silver brooch pinned to her collar.

  Principal Chambers approached the mic and called for everyone’s attention. The crowd quieted immediately.

  “On behalf of the Tanaka family, the staff, and the student body of Bainbridge Academy, we would like to thank you all for joining us this evening.”

  It had already grown darker since we arrived. The flames of the candles danced against the darkness like a swarm of fireflies.

  Principal Chambers took a deep breath. “We have come together to offer our hope, support, and prayers for the safe return for Mei Tanaka. Mei is a model student, a fierce competitor, and an asset to our school.”

  Was. Mei was all those things.

  The crowd shifted forward a little as more people arrived, tryin
g to see and hear. Kyla and Dani moved farther and farther away from me, but I didn’t attempt to keep up with them.

  Someone brushed against my left arm. “Hey, Lennox McCrae.”

  I turned to see Justice Jupiter Jenkins. My heart fluttered, and I silently scolded myself. I should not have been having those feelings at a candlelight vigil, especially one that was happening because of my actions. “Hey.”

  The chorus broke into an acapella rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. They were pretty amazing. I could see why they were in the running to win the upcoming competition.

  After that, a couple of Mei’s friends said a few words about how much they missed her, and the floor was handed over to her parents. That was when I lost it. Mei’s father had his arm draped over her mother’s shoulders. They both looked like they were about to break into a million little pieces. I took deep breaths, trying to hold it in, but I couldn’t. While her mother spoke, she shuddered, sobbing so hard that Mei’s father had to take over, but he couldn’t hold it together any better than his wife.

  I remembered what it felt like to not know where Piper was those few days after the party. My mind was filled with so many horrific possibilities of what could have happened to her, yet still, none of them were as bad as the truth.

  I’d had the foresight to bring a handkerchief I’d found in one of Dorothy’s drawers. It was navy blue and had her initials embroidered on it. With trembling fingers, I fished it from my purse.

  Justice watched me as I dabbed my eyes. “You just started going here. Did you even know Mei?”

  I shook my head. It wasn’t a lie—I really didn’t know her. I knew what he was thinking, and I wanted him to stop. He was thinking how sensitive and empathetic I must be to be crying over a girl I didn’t even know. He was impressed by my caring heart, but I didn’t deserve any of that credit.

  He slid his arm around me and squeezed my shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll turn up.”

  No, she won’t. I was pretty sure most of the people gathered there knew that. Over a week had passed, and the police had no leads or clues. “Do you really think that?”

  He moved his head from side to side, contemplating. “Honestly, I don’t know. I guess it’s just what we’re supposed to say in situations like this to stay hopeful. But I know one thing—Mei didn’t run away.”

  I wanted to ask him what he thought happened, but the chorus switched over to “Amazing Grace,” and Brody pushed through the crowd, making his way toward me. His eyes darted back and forth between me and Justice. I hoped there wouldn’t be a problem, because I was so not in the mood for that.

  “Hey, Lennox. You okay?”

  I nodded, even though I wasn’t. Justice quickly took his arm off me, and I wondered if he knew about Brody and me. Probably. “She was having a moment, so I was just trying to make her feel better.”

  Brody nodded and squeezed in beside me. “Thanks.”

  By the time the song was over, Justice had disappeared.

  Attending the vigil made everything worse. After Piper died, there had been several memorials. Mei’s vigil reminded me of every last one of them—having to look Mei’s family in the eye, listening to all the kind words her friends said about her, watching Seiko break down several times, and knowing that everyone was there praying for a miracle that would never happen.

  Brody offered to give me a ride home. He was quiet until we pulled out of the parking lot. “This whole thing is really messed up, huh? Are you okay?”

  I’d just stopped the tears from flowing, but his asking me if I was okay got them going again. “Yeah. I just feel so bad for Seiko and her family.”

  Brody drummed on the steering wheel. “I feel you. Seiko hated Mei, but family’s family, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  When I got home, Brody walked me to the door. His red hair shone vibrantly under the porch lights. “Want to go out Friday night?”

  “Sure.” Even though it wasn’t love, hanging out with Brody wasn’t so bad.

  Lights were on upstairs, but the first floor was dark when I let myself in. Mom and Gary must have turned in early.

  Stepping into the shower, I made the water too hot. It stung my skin, making it red as I washed. After that, I crawled underneath my covers. All day, guilt had been gnawing away at me little by little. I wondered if anything would be left.

  ***

  I woke around three o’clock, feeling like someone was standing on my chest. It hurt so badly that I couldn’t breathe. Usually, it was only Piper who woke me from my sleep, pressing all her weight on me, stealing the air from my lungs. Wherever she was, she wanted me to join her. That night she had Mei with her, and the weight was too much to bear.

  Clutching my throat, I fought to breathe. Gasping, I thought I would die right then and there in my bed. Finally, I managed a wail. Before I knew it, I was screaming at the top of my lungs. My throat felt like fire, but I couldn’t stop.

  My door burst open, and my lights flicked on. Mom was in the doorway, wide-eyed, with her hair all over the place. She hurried over to me and rubbed my back and kissed me hard on the side of my head. It felt like a woodpecker was tapping away at my temple.

  “It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay.” She was worried but not surprised. It used to be a nightly routine for us.

  Gary stepped into the room, wearing a T-shirt and pajama pants. For a moment, he stood there rubbing his forehead, thinking of words to say. “Should I bring a glass of water?”

  He was so much like Dad, thinking stupid things like Band-Aids, pieces of candy, or glasses of water could fix anything.

  Even though it wasn’t fair, even though he hadn’t done anything wrong, I was so angry with him. He didn’t know me and didn’t really know Mom. He was just some guy making me live in a room someone had died in months before. For all I knew, the ghost of Dorothy watched me sleep every night. All to preserve the sanctuary of his precious daughter, who never even returned his calls. He could keep his damn glass of water.

  I glared at him and said nothing. Gary nodded and left the room promptly.

  Mom held my chin and turned my face toward hers. “Did you have a bad dream?”

  “I don’t think I was dreaming. My chest was hurting so badly that it woke me up. I could see Piper. I could hear her calling my name.” Mei was there, too, but that part, I had to keep to myself.

  I knew what I needed. Mom knew, too, but she didn’t want to accept it.

  “Lennox, I need you to be strong and fight through this, okay? Roosevelt Park is a close-knit community. Everyone knows everyone’s business. If people hear that you’re seeing a doctor, they might get the wrong ideas.”

  Of course. Everything was about appearances. She didn’t want anyone thinking I was messed up or that she was a failure of a mom. She couldn’t take people judging her again like they had after Piper.

  She pushed my hair behind my ears. “You haven’t done this for months, so it’s getting better. This is something we’re going to have to work through on our own. We can do it.”

  Who is “we”? She never woke up screaming Piper’s name.

  Mom squeezed my knee. “You need to think good thoughts before you go to sleep, and the bad dreams will go away.”

  I looked away from her. She couldn’t be serious. How is she so good at pretending?

  Mom kissed me again, softer that time. “Honey, try not to do this anymore. It scared the hell out of Gary.”

  “Try not to do this anymore? You think I do it on purpose? You think I want to wake up from my sleep screaming because I see dead people? What’s wrong with you?”

  Mom despised that question because it assumed she wasn’t perfect.

  She hopped up, wiping her palms on the sides of her nightgown like she was trying to rub off my crazy. “Nothing is wrong with me. I wasn’t the one just screaming bloody murder.”

  I had the overwhelming urge to throw something at her. It wouldn’t be the first time. “Get out
. Just get the hell out.”

  She gave me one last look then scurried to the door and slammed it behind her.

  ***

  Thursday morning was somber. The sad energy from the vigil the night before had spilled over into the next day.

  During the morning announcements in first period, the news anchor did the typical weather, lunch menu, and birthday report, then things livened up a bit.

  “Now we have a special announcement about an upcoming event from Justice Jupiter Jenkins.”

  The class groaned as the camera panned over to Justice. He sat up straight with his hands folded in front of him and was wearing a tattered army-green denim jacket with a blue shirt underneath.

  “Thank you, Bailey. Before I get to my announcement, there’s something I need to get off my chest.” He paused and leaned forward dramatically. “It concerns Mei Tanaka.”

  My entire body tensed as I grabbed the edge of my desk. I know she didn’t run away. I’d never gotten the chance to ask Justice what he meant by that. What does he know, and what is he going to say?

  A muscle twitched in Justice’s jaw as he stared into the camera. “I have reason to believe that Mei Tanaka… has been abducted by aliens.”

  Mr. Michaels shook his head, and the room erupted in laughter.

  Justice held his hands up as if he knew people were laughing at him. “Now hear me out. My friends and I were watching the stars on Friday night—”

  Justice looked to his left, and suddenly, Principal Chambers was leaning over him, yelling at the news team to cut off the mic. That set off another round of hysterics.

  Over the noise, I could barely make out Principal Chambers yelling, “Every day, it’s something!”

  Owen was in the background, shouting something about freedom of speech over the sounds of things being knocked around. Seconds later, multicolored stripes covered the screen with the words We Are Experiencing Technical Difficulties.