“Jesus.” Natalie whispered covering her mouth. She could not believe it. “When did that happen?”

“Early November, last year.”

“Are you sure?” Natalie asked her eyes already filling with tears.

“Yes. But-”

“How come I didn’t know that?” she cried.

“Natalie, I understand how you feel,”

“And we shared the same birthday...” she cried dropping back on her seat. She hardly paid attention to Ingrid who wanted to console her.

Ingrid sighed and sat with her friend. “Her body was not recovered.” She went on.

Natalie squeezed her eyes releasing more tears. “What about her brother? Ralph?”

“I don’t know. They didn’t say anything. I think that their father came to pick him.”

“The poor boy… do you know that their mom died?”

“I knew that she had diabetes but, that she died, no.”

Natalie sighed deeply. She could not fathom the pain went through before she died. And if it was a bomb blast like what Ingrid said then, it must have been very agonizing. She had a lot of questions at that moment.  A bomb? In school? How?

Ingrid rose, she thought that it was best to Natalie on her own. She rose and called to a boy who was about to leave the room as well, “Trevor.”

He turned to her, halting at the doorway.

“What are you doing here?” she carelessly asked.

“Well, I came to fetch you.” He replied as she walked closer to join him. “But, I saw that you’re a little occupied. Other Ministers are already there.”

She halted next to him. “You’re so sweet. You have a record of all your subordinates.”

They started out of the room together, leaving Natalie alone.

“Aah. It’s not that big.”

“I wonder if the next President would be able to give us what you do.”

“Cummon, don’t give me a big head.”

She laughed and pat his back.

“Shoo shoo.”

…………………………………………………………………………

The news of Caitlin’s death really shocked Natalie. Moreover to think that she joined the school because of her. Ingrid was a good girl but, Natalie was more accustomed to Caitlin because they grew up together and they lived as next door neighbors.

She begun thinking that enrolling to HAMERTON was a mistake because Caitlin was no longer there. This she thought while sitting in the open field next to Ingrid who was watching a small football match.  

“Are you enjoying?” Ingrid asked.

“I was just thinking about Caitlin.” Natalie replied staring away.

Ingrid placed her left hand around Natalie’s back and the other, put it on Natalie’s shoulder.

“Do you remember that song Natalie?”

Natalie hummed in response. They chorused a child hood song;

‘Although

we may

be

far away

we shall never

forget you…’

Natalie begun crying and Ingrid embraced her.

“I miss her Ingrid…” Caitlin sobbed.

“Me too.” She replied.

They remained in that position for a while till a girl interrupted them and they parted.

“What are you doing?” the girl asked.

Ingrid glanced at her. “Erin.” She called wiping her already fallen tears. “This is Natalie. Natalie, Erin.” She introduced.

“Nice to meet you.” Natalie mumbled.

“Thank you. Nice to meet you too.” She sat cross legged in front of them. “But, why have you all been crying?”

“We miss Caitlin. We were childhood friends and we went to the same school.” Ingrid explained.

Erin nodded. “For a short time that I knew Caitlin, she was a sweet friend.” She paused. “But, we can’t cry now. Wherever she is, she wants us to be strong.”

Natalie was silent. She could not let go so easily. Caitlin was like a sister that she never had.

“Natalie? Erin’s right. Even if we cry, we can’t bring her back. Please, my dear. Stop crying.” Ingrid coaxed.

Natalie sighed deeply. “I was late for her. I said that I was coming but, I lingered till the year ended.”

“Don’t say that.” Ingrid asked.

Natalie looked down keeping silence.

Ingrid turned to Erin as if seeking for answers. Erin who could read the look, said “let’s go to class D.”

“What’s in class D?” Ingrid asked already neglecting her friend Natalie.

“Everyone’s gathered there. I think that there’s a meeting or something.”

Ingrid turned to Natalie, “dear? Let’s go to class D together and check out what’s the gathering about.” She suggested.

Natalie nodded and they rose from the ground. They started walking together to the chief building.

“I think it’s all about the annual festivals of the school anniversary.” Erin said.

“Ooh yeah. We were talking about that yesterday.” Ingrid supported.

“What do you do in those festivals?” Natalie asked speaking after the whole while.

“The large part of it is entertainment, a few showcasing and good food.” Erin replied.

“You’re going to love it.” Ingrid added.

………………………………………………………………………........

watch out for the next chapter of HAMERTON: HAMERTON Festivals