Invisible String

Being questioned by the police is one of the most nerve-wracking situations, even when you have done nothing wrong. They always make you feel as if you have committed an illegal act.

Detective Whitemore is currently standing at the end of the table, flipping through his file on Hannah. I saw this tactic in a movie once; they do this to make you feel uncomfortable as if they know something you do not.

"We spoke with a few students on campus who informed us that you were at a party with Hannah when an altercation occurred between you two. Would you like to elaborate on that?" He leaned his elbows on the table, his sleeves rolled up his forearms. Another detective stood in the corner, observing the situation.

"There is not much to say, to be honest," I sighed.

"I caught her and my now ex-boyfriend about to have sex; I have the right to be upset." I shrugged, looking between the pair.

"So you admit you got mad at her?" I shook my head no.

"I was more upset with Jaden; we had been together for four years, endured many challenges, and then I discovered he had been cheating on me for months with Hannah." He nodded his head while leaning back in his metal chair.

"I heard you and Hannah were close friends." I glanced around the room, stopping on the camera in the corner.

"We were close; we were on the cheer squad together; she was my co-captain. However, when I discovered the truth, she withdrew from the squad." I tore my eyes away from the camera and back to Detective Whitemore.

"Where were you last night around the hours of two and four a.m.?" I thought back to last night with Cara and Sasha.

"I was asleep in our apartment."

"Our apartment?" He questioned while scribbling down my alibi and glanced back at his detective friend.

"Yes, the apartment I share with Cara Diaz and Sasha Akers."

"Excellent; it appears we have all the necessary information at this time. Should we require any further details, we will reach out to you, so please remain within the state." I nodded and thanked him before exiting the room.

As I entered the bullpen, Reid was summoned to another room by Detective Reynolds, who had interviewed Sasha. Reid walked past me without a second glance, behaving as though I were invisible. Cara sat next to Grayson, both of them staring down at his phone and watching a video. Grayson quickly spotted me approaching them and turned off his phone.

"Hey, how'd it go?" Cara quizzed me.

"Alright, I suppose. What were you watching?" I enquired, pointing to his phone as he struggled to get it into his jeans pocket.

"Oh, it was nothing." Grayson shruggled it off, but Cara looked back at him with a confused expression.

"What are you talking about?" She pulled her gaze back to me.

"It was a video of Reid fighting with Jaden." My eyes widened; it made so much sense now. Jaden had messaged me about me paying a guy to fight him; that was until he realised who he was and stopped messaging me about Reid.

"I mean, he did have a thing with his girlfriend, so?" Cara once more seemed perplexed by my response, but Grayson cut her off before she could say anything else.

"I think you two should head home; it's getting super late." I smiled with my lips together in a straight line. He was right; the clock in the intergation room read 8pm.

"Can you text me when you get home?" Grayson asked Cara politely.

"I'd walk you both home, but I've got to wait for Reid, and I still need to be questioned."

"It's ok, I'll text you." She stood beside me, and we walked out together while waving goodbye to the boy in the chair.

--

After we returned to our apartment, I could not help but reflect on my friendship with Hannah. I recalled the moments during practice when Jaden would visit us—the way she would always look at him, flirt with him, or cheer him on during games. I was so oblivious to what was already in front of me. Perhaps Jaden was right; maybe I was emotionally checked out. Jaden had always compared me to other girls he had been with in Washington.

When my mum passed away, I had no family. I was completely alone with nothing to my name. I had to find a place to live and a part-time job to cover my expenses while studying. Sasha thought it would be best if we all moved in together, that way they could 'secretly' keep an eye on me. As bad as it sounds, I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Cara and Sasha.

"Miller, are you paying attention?" I snapped out of my thoughts. I was at practice with my squad and our coach, Miss Jones.

"Yes, I'm sorry." She nodded softly and looked back at the squad.

"I understand that you are all likely missing Hannah at the moment, but we must remain focused and prepared for the game in two weeks." I zoned out once more as I observed Jaden running laps around the field with his teammates.

"Practice up ladies, and make us proud!" She clapped her hands together loudly.

Sasha wandered over to me, placing her arms over my shoulder. I leaned my head back on her and let out a sigh.

"Did Cara tell you she has a date with that boy?" I hummed in response, only to realise the implication of her words moments later.

I quickly lifted my head from her shoulder and searched for the girl in question. She was seated on the grass, removing her shoes from her feet.

"When were you going to tell me about your date with Grayson?" Her cheeks flushed with the question.

"Well, he did invite you guys out too; we're going for pizza after classes—I just forgot to tell you." Sasha sat down next to Cara, placing her head in her lap.

"I'm game; I wanna meet this magical boy who has captured your cold heart." Sasha said as she placed her hands over her heart and began mimicking a heartbeat.

"Will Reid be there?" I spoke. I didn't care if he came; I just simply wanted to know.

"Yeah, I think it was his idea for us to get together; they're bringing their friend Jamie." I frowned, knowing that was untrue. I had the impression that Grayson wanted to make Reid appear more appealing.

"It appears we have a triple date!" Sasha exclaimed with enthusiasm, clapping her hands together.

"Fun!" not.