Lauren’s sight ended up bathed in warm light in a place away from everyone else.

This warm feeling. Did I die? Is this heaven? No, it can’t be. I don’t deserve this.

She looked over and found that she wasn’t the only one in this strange white world. Troy floated a few feet away from her. He looked over and frowned, knowing full well that she would want an explanation for all this.

“Lauren, I’m sorry.” Troy said, “I don’t know how to face you or the others again.”

“I trusted you, but you used me.” Lauren thundered. “What were you doing behind my back, and why?”

“I’m sorry for lying to you about who killed my parents.” Troy apologized as he bowed his head. “I just wanted to help my dad. It was selfish, I know. I didn’t even think he was evil, but he promised to teach me dark magic. Why else would I ask someone I didn’t know for help?”

“You mean me?”

“Yeah, you didn’t question why I asked you for help specifically.”

“I don’t remember...”

“Well, I didn’t care for anything else, but as we spent time together, I felt sorry for—”

“Quit lying!” Lauren interrupted. “How can I believe what you’re saying when you’ve been lying to me all this time?”

“Lauren, I know you’re upset, understandably so, but I—”

“Get out.”

“What?”

“I don’t want to see you ever again.” Lauren turned her back.

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Tears in his eyes, Troy gave up trying to excuse his actions to her. He turned and walked away, but not before leaving her some small words. Lauren spun around; however, Troy had already left and a brighter light overcame her and covered the area.

.-.-.-.

Opening her eyes, Lauren found she returned to Streterra, still destroyed, just like all those years ago, when she lost everything. This time, it was all her fault. She looked around and realized that, despite the state of the school, nobody had died.

She wasn’t sure how many ended up injured, but one thing was for sure, she felt betrayed — putting all her time and efforts into helping Troy’s selfish desires come true.

The Principal was right, wasn’t she? Why didn’t I...? She thought as she stared at the ground. “I’m sorry, mom, dad, I failed you both.”

“It’s all right.” A male and female voice told her.

Startled, Lauren looked up and saw that both of her parents were hovering in front of her. Was she dreaming? Was this a figment of her imagination? Lauren felt her face and realized that her shades were missing. Glancing to the floor, she saw them, now broken. She was seeing crystal clear now.

“You... forgive me?” Lauren reiterated as she looked back up to face her parents for the first time in years. “But after all that I did, how can you still—?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Lauren’s father interjected with a shake of his head.

“All that matters is our love for you. And that will never disappear no matter what.” Lauren’s mother added. “Besides, you’ve learned your lesson, right?” She placed her hand on Lauren’s head.

“Mm-hmm?” Lauren nodded slowly. Her eyes got watery as she rushed over to embrace the two. “I wish I could be with you guys, just a little longer...”

“Don’t worry; we’ll always be with you right here.” Lauren’s mom gave a reassuring smile and pointed to her daughter’s chest.

The three said their goodbyes as her parents slowly vanished. Lauren watched from the heavens and waved. Once they disappeared, Lauren collapsed to the ground. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed quietly to herself. She then heard someone walk up behind her. Lifting her head, the Principal approached her as she extended her arm towards her.

“I am so, so sorry.” Lauren choked on her words as she took the Principal’s hand, pulling herself up to her feet.

“I am too.” The Headmistress replied. “Unfortunately, you will not get away with this. You were still an accomplice and committed crimes, and for that, you’ll receive a punishment, understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Hmm, I wonder where Troy is now...”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much about him...”

“Why do you say that?”