Chapter Text
The day finally arrives for Kate to be released from hospital. Her stay was filled with extensive counselling and had been a peaceful time of recovery. The clinic offered solace away from campus and been a safe haven where she rekindled her love of art, music and faith.
Today, she was also returning to Blackwell.
“Kate, are you sure this is what you want?” Her father asks as they gather her belongings. He was fearful about such an immediate return, but Kate was determined to face it head-on.
“Yes Dad, I’m sure. I’ll be okay.” Of course the prospect of going back was nerve-wracking, but Kate belonged at Blackwell; she had friends there and wouldn’t let anyone take that away from her. Max had fought for her and now she’d fight too, in her own way.
Her dad strokes her hand. “Right, we’d best be on our way then.” The man says with a smile.
Kate gratefully thanks the nurses, doctors and orderlies who made her time in hospital so accommodating. She’d never forget their kindness and it was a bit difficult to say goodbye.
After a cordial family lunch with masses of relatives, her father and sisters drive her back to Blackwell Academy. Her trepidation eases as she sees her friends waiting outside for her.
The girls cheer as they see her car pulling up to the front entrance.
“Are you going to be okay, sweetheart?” Her father questions.
She looks out the window and grins. “I’m going to be fine, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you too, my darling girl.” They hug.
“We love you, too!” Her sisters add loudly and awkwardly cuddle her from the backseat. Kate laughs.
“And I love you, munchkins.” What a blessing it was to have such a loving family. Even though all of them hadn't supported her during her struggles, she knew her dad and sisters would always be there for her.
She exits the vehicle with a single bag and a vigorous wave.
“Kate!” Stella, Alyssa and Brooke shout excitedly and encircle her in a group hug. The four of them break into ecstatic laughter. Kate’s father smiles as he watches the interaction and commences the drive home.
The friends begin their journey together to the girls’ dorms. She notices her companions talking enthusiastically as they approach the residences. Kate breaks into a small grin as she realises they are probably trying to distract her from the outside of the building. She loved them for it.
The quartet stop outside Kate’s bedroom. Her face lights up as she reads the caring messages filling her whiteboard. A lovely change from the taunts that occupied it two weeks before.
“Ready, Katie?” Stella asks with an enthusiastic beam.
Kate nods, smiling widely. “Ready.”
“Surprise!” Her companions exclaim as they open her door.
The first thing she notices upon entering her room is that her friends have tidied it. There’s also a huge banner reading, “Welcome back Kate!” spread across the wall. The dorm is filled with gifts, flowers and balloons. There are even snacks and a cake. It feels like a birthday and in a sense, it is: Kate had experienced a rebirth and been given another chance at life.
“Thank you, Max.” She reflects softly and grins.
“Oh my goodness… You didn’t have to go to all this trouble!” She's overcome with feelings of joy and love. The girl is appreciative of the effort her friends put in to make her return special. Her only regret was that Max couldn’t be there to enjoy it as well.
“Thank you all so much. Your support has meant everything to me. And while it sucks that Max can’t be here too, your friendship means the world to me. I love you all.”
“It’s our pleasure, Kate and we love you too.” Alyssa responds, smiling tenderly.
The friends embrace again in another tight group hug.
Hours pass and it’s time for her companions to depart after their celebration.
“You need anything, I’m just downstairs. You can text, or call me any time.” Alyssa tells her with a snug parting cuddle.
“I’m across the hall!” Stella exclaims cheerfully and steps up for her hug.
“Two rooms to your left.” Brooke adds and is the final one to embrace Kate.
After their farewells, Kate revels in the opportunity to reacquaint with her bunny-child. It’s early evening when she’s petting her rabbit and a quiet knock sounds at her door.
“Just a second!” The youth calls out, popping her beloved pet back in her cage. There’d been occasions when she’d snuck out before, so she liked to err on the side of caution.
Kate approaches the door and opens it to a short-haired teenager with troubled green eyes.
“Victoria?” She asks pensively.
“Kate, can I speak with you a moment?” The Vortex Club leader questions in a mild tone.
“Sure… Come in.” She steps out of the way to allow the other girl to enter, then closes it.
Her visitor avoids eye contact by examining the room and shrinks into herself.
“Um… Are you alright, Victoria?”
Victoria’s gaze drops to the ground. “I’m sorry, Kate.”
Kate seems astonished, but doesn’t say anything.
“I was awful to you. Even when I saw how much you were hurting… I didn’t stop.”
Her remorseful eyes meet Kate’s.
“Kate… I was the one who filmed you that night. The video was my fault.” Victoria’s hands begin to tremble.
Kate’s mouth tightens at the admission. All the taunts, her humiliation, the merciless bullying: That video had been the root of it. But, she also knew there was more going on that they didn’t understand. She was sure of it, and Max had been too. The blame didn’t lay fully at Victoria’s feet.
Kate leans forward and gently touches her on the shoulder. “I forgive you, Victoria.”
Victoria’s face crumbles as she bursts into tears. The other girl pulls her into a secure hug.
Strength came in different forms. It wasn’t always presented in boldness, or physicality. Sometimes it was quieter. It could be demonstrated in the form of a kind word, or forgiveness.