tacenda
(n.) things better left unsaid; matters to be passed over in silence

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Back To Present Time-
Kiara's POV:

I closed the cover of the pink diary. We took turns reading two diary entries out loud so that we both got the opportunity to process the same information.

Eden and I both released a collective sigh of exasperation, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of valuable information gathered from just four pages.

Following the entry that was presumably written on the day of Violet's death, the following pages remained blank, their vacant thin black lines stretching across each page.

The diary provided us with insights for our investigation, yet a singular piece of information that I had collected from the diary lingered in my mind, preventing me from debriefing any of the other information collected from the little pink book.

I need Eden to explain something to me because it was the only obstacle in my way of continuing our inquiry.

Various possible outcomes could come from my accusation: Eden could deny my accusations and deflect, choose to be offended, and withdraw from the investigation for such an assumption, or, worse, she might lie, leaving me clueless unless she decided to be completely honest with me.

I hoped it was anything but the last one.
This was a piece of information that she could easily lie to me about and I'd eat it up like a fool not knowing how to prove otherwise.

Turning to Eden, she met my gaze, and with a sigh, she began, "Geez, where do we even start? I mean, that was a lot to take in. We might need some snacks to debrief—" I cut her off with an accusatory yet flat tone, "Why didn't you tell me that Violet had texted you the night of her death?

I told you she texted me, so why didn't you?" A visible frown creased her face as she glared at me for making such accusations. "Are you insinuating that I killed my cousin?!" she exclaimed in disbelief, taking offense to my unproven accusations., "I don't know; you tell me. Did you kill her? You didn't feel the need to bring it up."

I retorted, emphasizing the "did" in my accusation to amplify my pettiness. Her expression wavered between disbelief and anger. Then a sudden pang of pity struck me. Eden didn't need all these accusations on her plate.

She was grieving her younger cousin and I know that accusing her of it wasn't the easiest to digest. I was grieving as well but I was still honest with her. I softened my tone, stating, "If we're going to solve this case, we need to be fully honest with each other, even about the little significant things."

Eden, looked like she wanted to say more but opted for a simple excuse "Look I've got to go... It's getting late, and we have school tomorrow. Can we just continue this at our next meeting" She said with a look of sadness in her eyes.

While part of me felt remorse, I had emphasized from the start that our investigation would only move forward if we remained truthful.

Nodding in acknowledgment, she left, leaving me to ponder on what my next move would be, knowing I couldn't solve this case alone and needed to turn to those I trusted the most.

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I found myself at my locker, accompanied by Imani and Layla. Layla initiated the conversation, attempting to grasp an understanding of my odd request, "So if I'm getting this straight... You seriously want us to help you solve a murder case that not even the police can solve?"

Her skepticism was clear, followed by Imani, who added, "Yeah, it sounds pretty unrealistic, and didn't you tell us that your dad warned you to stay out of it?" Layla continued, "And what if you get caught? I mean, this isn't the type of stuff we teenage girls need to get involved in." As Layla kept talking, I cut her off with a raised voice, "Can you just shut up for a second and let me explain?!"

The sudden outburst caught the attention of a few students, who stared at me with curiosity as to why I was yelling.

Turning back to Imani and Layla, visibly cringing due to everyone's judgemental stares. Layla then shot me a "get to the point" look.

I explained, "Listen, a friend and I managed to find information that could help us progress in our investigation. "And who did you get that info from?" Imani inquired with a raised brow. "It's not a who; it's more of a what," I paused for dramatic effect, "We read Violet's diary." Layla chimed in, "How did you even find it?"

I dismissed their questions, saying, "Look, enough of the questions. I need help on this, and I trust both of you enough to let you in on it. So, are y'all in or nah?"

They exchanged a glance, took a moment to think, and then simultaneously declared, "We're in." Their unanimous agreement brought a grin to my face; having more help felt reassuring knowing that I wasn't alone in this gave me a newfound confidence in leading this investigation.

Imani seemed a bit hesitant in her response, understandable considering the obvious risks involved in a business that was not ours to get involved in the first place. She typically strives to avoid anything labeled "trouble."

Layla, with her unfunny humor, joked, "So when does this whole 'interrogation thing' start?" I rolled my eyes at her attempt to lighten the mood. "Tonight, at my house," I replied. They nodded, and Imani inquired, "Is there anyone else helping us?"

Initially, I was about to mention Eden, but uncertainty lingered after yesterday's whole confrontation. I mean I kinda blew up on her and I wouldn't want to work with me either after how I accused her. I shook my head, indicating no.

Layla, in her usual playful manner, veered the conversation with an unexpected comment, "Have I ever told you how much of a dilf your dad is?" Her dazed expression drew a disgusted look from me, and I retorted, "Ew, don't talk about my dad like that; that's gross."

Imani redirected our attention, questioning, "Speaking of your dad, what is he even doing here?"

Glancing toward the principal's office, I noticed my two police officers, one happened to be my father, conversing with the principal.

"He's probably here to interrogate more students," I explained. "Can we go to the caf? I want to get something to snack on from the vending machine before class" Layla asked. I nodded but Imani had other plans.

"Actually... I uhm... have to go do something but I'll see yall after class?" She said. Me and Layla nodded and we left for the cafeteria leaving Imani behind to do whatever she had to do.

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Imani's POV:

When I was certain that Layla and Kiara were no longer within sight, I turned my attention to the head chief of police, aka Layla's dad.

Walking towards them, the principal acknowledged my presence, "Oh, Imani! Shouldn't you be getting ready for class? The bell is about to ri—" I interrupted him, stating, "If possible, I'd like to speak to Mr. Mendoza in private, if that's okay with you."

The principal hesitated, "Oh, we aren't done yet, but—" Mr. Mendoza interjected, "We were just wrapping up our conversation anyways. Now, what was it that you needed, Imani?" Nervously picking at my nails, I asked, "If possible, I'd like to speak with you in private."

He nodded in agreement, and we exited through the nearest door, finding ourselves in the school garden. Taking a deep breath, I began sharing the news I had to deliver...

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