The Lingering Shadow

The Lingering Shadow

A college student was reading in class, and his teacher quickly noticed and approached him. “Alex, can you pay attention in class,” asked the teacher who was named Professor Baker, “we are in the middle of my mathematics lecture.”

“I apologize,” replied Alex politely, “I will pay attention from now.” The student didn’t complain or argue, and paid attention for the rest of the class. Afterwards, he left the classroom to meet his friends, Charles and Ashley, who just finished their chemistry lecture.

“Hello,’ responded Alex, “what has been going on lately.” Alex was excited as he heard about a party happening near the school, and was hoping that he would be invited. In parties, Alex more or less considers himself the life of them.

“I heard that the basketball team is throwing a party tomorrow near the beach,” responded Charles, “me and Ashey are going.” “Also, a lot of other people that we know are going,” continued Charles, “including Anthony, Emily and Joshua.”

“What time is it happening,” asked Alex, “I might be able to attend it as long as it is past 8 PM.” “I agreed to be a teacher for an afterschool program,” continued Alex, “and I think they have a great program, and I am doing a lot to help the students.”

“The party starts at 7 PM, but I think they won’t be leaving until midnight, so you still have plenty of time to come,” responded Charles who was elated that his friend could make it. “there’s a lot that we can do,” continued Charles, “if you don’t mind breaking a few rules here and there.” Alex was aware that he meant drinking even though the three friends were only nineteen.

“Yea, I am down for that,” responded Alex, “I don’t mind drinking once in a while.” “I can also bring weed,” continued Alex, “I know a guy who can help me with that.” Alex almost always brought marijuana to parties, and he was aware that getting caught with it could mean being expelled from the college.

“Alright, I will be there,” responded Alex, “what else is happening.” The three friends then went to the nearby cafeteria to talk. “I got A’s on most of my classes this semester,” started Alex, “my parents couldn’t be happier about it.” “I think my dad promised to buy me a new car later this year,” continued Alex.

“That’s great,” replied Charles, “I only have A’s on half of my classes.” “My parents have been having mixed feeling about it to put it lightly,” continued Charles. Charles looked pretty forlorn about the news, but Alex was ready to help his friend cheer up.

“Sorry to hear that,” replied Alex, “I can tutor you if you need help.” Alex had tutored Charles multiple times in the past and had helped Charles improve his grades from C’s to A’s. Alex was also aware of the subjects that Charles struggled the most on, including mathematics and biology.

“Thanks, but I think I will be fine,” responded Charles, “I think I just need to spend a little more time a day on schoolwork, and I will improve my grades.” Charles, unfortunately, didn’t sound very confident about this. Alex suddenly had a sneaky idea.

“Remember that one class we had last year with Professor Hall,” replied Alex, “I managed to not only help you pass the class, but also get an A on the final.” Alex was aware hat the had helped Charles cheat on that exam by passing him answers on a note that Charles hid in his jacket sleeve.

“How about you Ashely,” asked Alex, “what has been happening for you.” Ashley was the newest member of the friend group as they had only known her for a few months. The three, however, quicky connected as Ashley had many of the same interests as the two.

“Me and my family are going on a trip to Europe next month,” replied Ashley, “I have been wanting to visit there for years.” “I have been to many countries throughout the world, including South America and Mexico, but we haven’t had a chance ot visit Europe until recently,” continued Ashely.

“That is interesting,” replied Alex, “which countries are you visiting.” Alex had been to Europe a few times in the past, and mainly visited Italy and Greece. He had also planned on doing charity work there once he had finished his bachelor’s degree.

“I think we are going to visit France and Spain,” replied Ashley, “I have a lot of ideas on what to do when we finally reach them.” “I think we will mostly be visiting museums and parks there,” continued Ashley.

“That’s very nice,” responded Alex, “what else has been going on for you.” Alex was unusually interested in talking about other people today as most days, he was talking about his own achievements, much to the dismay of his friends.

“I think my parents are planning on getting me a new car,” responded Ashley. This was strange news to Charles and Alex as she had told them a few months ago that she had bought a new car.

“Didn’t you just buy a new car,” asked Alex, ‘why would you need another one.” To Alex’s surprise, the question didn’t bother Ashley, who quickly had a response to it.

“My parents are getting me an electric car,” replied Ahley, “they said that it would be better for the environment." “They also got it because the government offered them financial incentives for doing so,” continued Ashley.

“That’s very interesting,” responded Alex, “I will meet you guys later tomorrow, because I need to do something now.” Alex really didn’t have anything else planned that day.

“Alright, we will meet you at the party tomorrow,’ replied Charles who then went to his next lecture with Ashley. Alex then quickly ran to his room, and it appeared that something was bothering him. When he arrived, he slammed the door behind him and wasn’t seen by anyone else for the rest of the day.

The following day, Charles and Ashley decided to visit his room at 8 PM. Even though he said he would go to the party on his own, his friends decided to check up on him. “He doesn’t like it when people do this,” stated Charles.

“He will be fine with it,” replied Ashley, “we have done this before.” When the two had reached Alex’s room, Ashley quickly unlocked the door and screamed when she saw what was inside as Alex’s dead body was hanging on the ceiling.

“Why,” asked Ashey cryingly, “he had so much to live for.” “He was so happy when he left,” continued Ashley, “I could never imagine him ever doing this.’

“There is a note here,” replied Charles as he found a note on Alex’s desk, and slowly read it. “I am sorry Charles and Ashley,” started Charles. “That I couldn’t continue to be your friend,” continued Charles, “I was sad for years now, but I was never able to convince myself to go find help.” “I was afraid of what other people would think of me,” continued Charles, “I didn’t want them to think less of me.” “I am sorry for my failures,” continued Charles, “and I promise that in the next life, I will be a better person.”

“No,” responded Ashley cryingly, “this can’t be real.” “He was my friend,” continued Ashley as she continued to sob, “why, if I had only known sooner.” The noise began to attract Alex’s neighbors who were equally shocked by the news.

“I am sorry my friend,” replied Charles who was trying his best not to cry, “if I had known, I would’ve done every I could to help you.” “I promise you,” continued Charles, “I will help people who are also struggling, because I won’t let what happened to you happen to them.”