Chapter 2

"That's impossible," Veronica said, her voice smooth, concerned. "I wrote 'Faded Embers' after a very personal experience." Ethan stepped forward, protective. "There’s a melody in that song," Ethan stated, his voice firm, "it’s from our prep school’s dismissal bell. Only Ronnie and I would know that. Clara was never there. Our families didn't even find her until she was nineteen." He looked at Veronica with what he thought was love. The online comments shifted. "See! Clara was a liar!" "Ethan knows the truth." "Poor Veronica, having her song stolen by a delusional girl."

David felt a strange pull to keep reading. He turned the page. "Ronnie, dear," Veronica feigned, "perhaps Clara was just… inspired by you. It's a shame she became so obsessed." She dabbed a perfectly dry eye. Mr. Evans nodded grimly. "Clara was always… difficult. Envious." Mrs. Evans added, "She never appreciated what we tried to give her after we took her in."

David cleared his throat. The next entry was different. "October 14th. High School. Saw him again today. Ethan. He lost his student ID near the bleachers by the fence. I picked it up. His picture… he has such a kind smile. The fence separates my street from Northwood Prep. Sometimes I climb it, just to watch the students. To watch him." The hall was silent. Ethan’s confident expression faltered. He looked confused. Clara, from her poor neighborhood, sneaking onto his wealthy school grounds? "I got his number today! From a friend of a friend. My heart is beating so fast. I think… I think 'Faded Embers' is almost finished. It’s for him." The entry was dated years before he and Clara officially met. Ethan stumbled back a step. This wasn't the Clara he thought he knew. This wasn't the narrative Veronica had fed him. Ronnie rushed to his side. "Oh, Ethan, the poor girl. She clearly had a very vivid imagination. Such a sad, lonely fixation." The MC looked at the camera, then at the journal. The air in the ballroom felt heavy.