Triple Braided Cord

Welcome to the last part of Silverwood Academy! Since some things in this story haven't been tied up, I hope to write another set of stories about Silverwood Academy. From now on, I'll have subtitles for these series of stories, so this Silverwood Academy subtitle, is "Sisters".

Silverwood Academy: Sisters

Part 6

"Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

1 Peter 3:8

Vee

"How about this?" A sweet tune seemed to swirl around me as Jillian's quick fingers gracefully flew across the piano's keys.

"Ooh, I like that," I responded once she was finished.

"That one instead of the other part I played?" Jillian asked, twisting on the piano's bench to face me.

I was seated on Jillian's lower bunk making a brightly colored friendship bracelet while she sat by the little keyboard in the corner of her dorm room. She was working on a song for another friends and at the moment was asking me which piece of music I liked better.

"Ya. I like how it feels gentler than the other," I said, looking up from the bracelet.

"I agree," she said thoughtfully after a moment and returned to her playing. The peaceful tune started again but was interrupted soon after by the ringing of the bell.

"Come on. Let's get to math," I said with a sigh, stuffing the unfinished friendship bracelet in a pocket of my backpack.

---

Soon lunch rolled. Then the meeting with Cleo I had dreaded since the beginning of the day. I nervously met Jammie, Jillian, and Cleo at the old oak on the edge of the school's property for the small gathering.

"Hey Cleo," I said sadly, after an awkward moment of silence.

"Hi Vee." More silence and Jillian sidestepped nervously beside me.

"Vee, I'm so sorry!" Cleo finally burst out.

"I'm sorry for... for the spreading of lies about you. I know it was wrong... and stupid, and, well, please forgive me," Cleo said, emotion rising in her voice.

"It's alright, Cleo. I value our friendship too much for this to go on. It's ok," I said, glancing at Jillian who gave me an encouraging wink and smile.

"You sure?" She asked, cocking her head to one side.

"Of course!"

"Friends?" Cleo asked, holding out her hand to shake.

"Friends," I responded, grasping her hand and giving it a firm shake.

"Thank you for giving me another chance. I want to change. I want to be a true Christian... like you and Jammie," Cleo said, quietly.

"No problem,"

"Group hug!" she exclaimed and somehow managed to pull us three towards her all at once.

"Friends," I whispered.

---

I swung open the library's doors and stepped into the smell of new books, Ms. Penn's rose perfume, and old wood. I smiled to myself as I browsed the fantasy section.

The real reason I was here was because Jillian wanted help with an E.L.A project. Ten minutes passed, then twenty. Where was she? I walked over to the library doors and opened them, stepping into the deserted hall. A voice came from around the corner, and not just any voice. It was the scared and annoyed sounding voice of... Jillian? Rushing down the hall, I stopped at the corner where I slowly peeked my head around.

"Don't want to hang out with us anymore? Think you're too good for us?" It was Samantha and two more of Jillian's former goons who had Jillian herself cornered. What could I do? Run and get an adult? Run in there myself? Getting an adult would take too long and running up to save Jillian was a bit risky. With a panicking heart, I looked around. Just then the faint sound of voices floated down the gall. Cleo! With a jump I was running down the hall, past the library. Cleo, Jammie, and Jessie rounded the corner and I stopped them.

"Guys! Jillian needs help. She's being picked on by Samantha. Listen. All you have to do is walk down the hall talking and laughing loudly. Maybe they'll stop!" I suddenly realized how frantic and slightly weird I sounded, but Jessie sprang into action by commenting on Jammie's shirt. Cleo joined in, laughing loudly, and I trailed behind them, nervously twisting my hair between my fingers. A few seconds later, Jillian came rushing around the corner, breathing hard. I ran up to her and hugged her tight.

"You ok?" I asked, looking into her pale face and sad eyes.

"Ya. They... they don't usually do anything painful to me. Really, I'm fine," Jillian responded, a blank expression taking over her face.

"I'm sorry they're picking on you. And it's all because of me. They only pick on you because I'm your friend." Again I realized how pitiful and ridiculous I sounded, but Jillian reassured me.

"Vee, I want to be your friend. I don't want friends like them. I want true friends like you. And Cleo, Jammie, and Jessie. You guys are awesome." She smiled bravely then led the way into the library.

I would be there for Jillian, no matter what. We were friends. No, closer. I loved her like a sister. I didn't need to be good at sports to have friends. I didn't need to be the perfect student or do my hails or hair the best either. I had found my place with my sisters, Jillian, Jammie, Cleo, and Jessie.