The Murder of Penelope Winters

By Stephanie Douglas

Chapter One

By the time the story was officially announced over the schools gravelly PA system,
we had all heard the grim details. Word travels quickly in a small town. The principal was
brief, stating less than we all knew.
May I have your attention students: I regret to inform you that last night Penelope
Winters, a senior at Jefferson High, passed away. Please be considerate to those affected by
this passing. We encourage students needing comfort to see Miss Robinson in the counseling
office.
The students in Mr. Jeffreys homeroom exchanged glances with weary eyes. Though
Principal Harper hadnt mentioned it, we recognized there was foul play involved. The event
stirred our sleepy town in a twisted mix of sick amusement and fear. News around here
doesnt usually deviate from how last weeks storm will affect the crops.
There were all sorts of crazy rumors floating around, but two main facts were
established: Pamela Winters died suddenly, and a container of sodium azide was missing from
the chemistry lab.

Chapter Two

Miss Robinson was a short, plump lady in her thirties with shoulder-length brown hair
and rosy cheeks. She greeted me with hearty hello as she does every day, though this time her
eyes didnt quite match her smile. Being a TA for the counselor is usually uneventful, but I
had a feeling that the office may be busier than normal this week.
Once I was inside the cozy office, Miss Robinson got up and gave me a big hug. Its a
shock to us all, she said softly. On her desk I saw a photo of Penelopes corpse. Her lifeless
body was as white as a sheet of paper, a stark contrast to the colorful party hat with a big
purple pompom that adorned her head. Of all days, Penelope had died on her birthday.
I moved to take my usual place at a small desk in the corner, but Miss Robinson
ushered me instead to the cushioned armchair beside her large mahogany desk. No, Miss
Robinson, Im fine, I told her as I settled into the chair and she moved back to her desk. I
hardly knew Penelope.
We could all benefit from talking through this tough time, she replied. She took a
slow sip of tea from her #1 counselor mug. How was your relationship with Penelope?
Ah, I didnt have much of one, I started, tilting my head in thought. Penelope was a
senior. They dont fraternize with the juniors that often. She probably wouldnt know who I
amwouldnt have known, I mean.
But you knew who she was?
 Well, of course. Everyone knows Penelope. She was the role model type. Star of the
soccer team, on the ASB board she even won Miss Pinewood last year. But she didnt let
that stuff get to her head, which is what was so cool. She volunteered at the food bank every
week, and would always smile at you in the hallway. I dont know why anybody would want
to kill her. Miss Robinson bristled when I said the last line. She opened her mouth, but was
interrupted by a knock on the door.

Chapter Three

Come in, she called. A curly blonde head poked through the door. It was Hannah,
Penelopes best friend. Aside from Principal Harpers encouragement to go to counseling,
many of the people closest to the victim were given written notices of high encouragement to
talk things over.
I stood from the chair and nodded to Hannah in greeting. Her blonde curls bounced
hello back at me. Hannah was known for her sweet personality. She was the schools
sweetheart, a porcelain doll full of innocence. She and Penelope were the power friendship
that everyone envied. They had been friends since kindergarten and their bond seemed
unbreakable. I couldnt imagine how she must be dealing with Penelopes death.
I scooted out the door as Hannah took a seat by Miss Robinsons desk. Normally when
Miss Robinson is with a student I would wander the halls or get a snack, but for some reason
I decided to sit in one of the waiting room chairs that usually went unused. Sitting in the chair
closest to the office, I began rifling through my backpack for a book. But I stopped when I
heard Hannahs wind-chime voice float under the door. Setting my backpack down I turned
my attention to conversation inside the room next to me.
The community has been very supportive, Hannah was saying. Pinewood is full of
so many wonderful people. It just boggles my mind that someone would do this to Penelope.
You were with her on her last day, isnt that right? Is that difficult to cope with?
As her best friend I spent many days with Penelope. Its tragic that yesterday will be
the last, but it seems appropriate that I was one of the last people to be with her. We were the
best of friends.
Would you mind describing the events that took place on that day? Miss Robinson
asked gently.
Yesterday was Penelopes birthday; she turned 18. We spent the day celebrating.
Even skipped church, Hannah explained. In Pinewood, skipping church is the kind of thing
that would get gossip running. Turning 18 is big, you know. We started out the day with a
big brunch picnic at the park, the four of us. It was so nice and quiet since everyone was gone
praying. Hannah paused, delicately clearing her throat. The other two people that Hannah
was referring to were Penelopes friends Camira and Mia. We went to an afternoon movie.
Grant was working the snack counter, and Penelope convinced him to give us free drinks.
The movie was all right. We went to Jims afterward. Jims is the diner and ice cream parlor
in town. Its an old-fashioned, 50s themed place and a popular hangout for students. We split
fries and hung out a while. Of course we got ice cream, too. Avery, who was working at Jims
when we were in, took a great picture of us. The four of us were huddled in the bright red
booth with our ice cream. Penelopes had chocolate syrup and a cherry, and she had her party
hat on. Turns out it would be the last picture of her alive, Hannah started choking up, and
Miss Robinson offered her tissues and a glass of water. Eventually Hannah concluded the
story. They had opened presents out by the abandoned railroad station, and then Mia went
home to study. The other three continued to talk about trivial matters, as girls do, according
to Hannah. Then they went their separate ways home. It was about an hour later that I got
the call from her parents.
How did it feel when you heard the news?
I couldnt believe it. I had just seen her. I just couldnt believe it.
How was Penelope when you left her?
Hannah hesitated. She seemed a little out of things, but we werent alarmed by her
behavior. Asked to elaborate, she continued, Penelope brought some alcohol to brunch, and
drank quite a lot of it. I just assumed she was still tipsy.
Was your friendship in good shape at the time? Nothing unresolved youll find
yourself worrying about?
Penelope and I have always been best friends, Hannah said curtly. A tension hung in
the silence. Okay, so we had a tiff. Most friends do at some point. Dylan and I made a
mistake. But she forgave us both. So it was settled.
My mouth dropped open from my spot on the other side of the wall. Hannah and
Dylan? Dylan iser, wasPenelopes boyfriend. I thought back to a few times when I
noticed the two of them together, but I would never have guessed. Grabbing my backpack, I
started toward the cafeteria, deciding it was time for a snack.

Chapter Four

Lunch was right after my TA period, and I made my way back to the counseling office
since Id left early. I was reaching for the knob when I realized there was another student
inside. It was Grant, the six-foot-something, skinny senior that worked at the theater. The
waiting room chair welcomed me once again. Grant was describing the girls arrival to the
theater.
And does it upset you that your last impression of Penelope is when she was in an
intoxicated state?
Nah, it aint nothing out of the ordinary. Penelope shows up to the theater like that
more times than sober. I usually give her some free candy or somethin, out of pity. She pleads
something awful, probably thinks its charming.
Dont you get in trouble for giving away merchandise?
 I almost got fired one time, so yeah. Had to tell Penelope to quit asking; she didnt like
that. But yesterday was her birthday.
How are you coping with last nights event?
Its sad, for sure. But I didnt know Penelope any more than the average kid around
here. A real shame, though.
There was a pause, and then the parties began their closing remarks. Grant nodded to
me as he strode past.
Oh, Ruby! Miss Robinson said, startled, as I stepped into the office.
Sorry to scare you, Miss R. I took a walk while you were with Hannah. Did I miss
any errands?
Oh, no, no. Youre fine. The normal operations can wait. I feel there will be many
visitors here in the next few days. What a tragic event.
I nodded grimly. We spoke on lighter topics for a little while before I departed.

Chapter Five

The lunchroom was buzzing like never before. Theories bounced off the walls, from
suicide to aliens. I joined a table of friendly juniors, and listened as gossip flew.
I bet she would have been Prom Queen, one girl said wistfully.
Maybe someone was getting an early start on the competition.
Whos going to be Prom Queen now?
Probably Hannah. Who doesnt like her?
What about Avery? She did pageants as a kid.
Oh yeah, Averys super pretty, too.
Mias a good candidate.
Come on, Ralph, Mias a nerd.
You dont have to be dumb to be Prom Queen, Jonny.
Penelope was smart, too. She got into that prestigious college remember?
Oh yeah! The one Mia was waitlisted at!
Poor Mia, that was her dream school.
She might still get in. Waitlist doesnt mean no.
Yeah, but how embarrassing. Especially since her good friend got in.
Mia used to tutor Penelope. That is embarrassing.
Do you think Id have a chance at Prom Queen next year?
I tuned that conversation out and listened to the one on the other half of the table.
Im surprised they havent arrested her already.
Come on, you dont know it was her.
Of course it was! She literally said, Im going to kill you!
They were fighting! In the moment people say things they dont mean.
I wouldnt put it past her.
 You dont even know her.
The pale skin and bright red lipstick? Maybe shes a vampire. It would explain her
soulless eyes.
Im sorry, I didnt realize we were dealing with the undead, a sarcastic voice jeered.
Maybe she was running low on O-positive.
Vampires have to eat, too.
I had gathered that they were talking about Camira, who was tall and pale with a
curtain of black silk for hair. I was unsure what fight they were talking about. Penelope and
Camira were super close, and I had never heard of them fighting.
Whats the story on the fight? I submitted my question to the conversation.
Oh, some little squabble arose, and in response Penelope told Camiras parents about
Camiras secret cigarette stash. She was practically grounded for life.
And now Camiras out for blood.
Words continued to fly around the room as I reflected on all the hidden drama that
swirled around this town. You think you know a place, I sighed.

Chapter Six

The next day I arrived for my TA period just as Mia was leaving the counseling office.
Mia was petite and had short dark brown hair. Of Penelopes friends, I knew the least about
her. But no one questioned that Mia was intelligent. She gave me a nervous smile as she
scurried to class.
Excuse me a minute, Ruby. Just have to run to the powder room! Miss Robinson
said when I entered the room. After she left I couldnt help but notice her notebook was open
on her desk. I tried not to dwell on it, but couldnt help but catch a few words scribbled in
Miss Robinsons slanted print.
Concerned over rumors chemistry lab damaging reputation
Thats right! Mia was a TA for Mr. Howard, the chemistry teacher. She would be an
easy target for rumors of how the killer got a hold of the sodium azide. I couldnt see Mia
wanting to poison her friend, but I couldnt see anybody wanting to poison Penelope.
Miss Robinson returned and I helped her with a few easy tasks. Near the end of the
period Avery came in to see Miss Robinson. Avery has wavy auburn hair and freckles dotting
her nose and cheeks. She has bubbly personality and excellent posture. She greeted me with a
bright hello and a wide pageant smile. I took my stuff and found my way to my new
eavesdropping location in the plastic waiting room chair.
Good morning, Avery.
Thank you for seeing me, Miss Robinson. Im sure you must be busy after such a
terrible occurrence in the community.
Its awfully sad, dear. How are you taking the news?
 Well enough as one can, I suppose. Penelope was such an angel. And in the wake of
such a tragedy, we cant help but wonder whos next.
Do not trouble yourself with such fearful thoughts. Would you like some tea, Avery?
No thank you.
Did you know Penelope well?
We participated in the Miss Pinewood pageant together last year. That was a
wonderful bonding opportunity.
Oh thats right, dear. I forgot you competed. You got second, is that right?
Yes, Miss Robinson, Averys sweet tone had a bit of an edge with that reply.
Thats wonderful, dear! The Miss Pinewood competition is very prestigious. Were
you able to balance the stress of the process with your normal activities well? You must have
had a lot on your plate.
Throughout my life I have participated in several similar events, frequently traveling
long distances to compete. From these experiences I have acquired reliable time management
strategies and have developed mental fortitude against such situations of multiple coinciding
responsibilities.
Lovely, Miss Robinson answered after a slight pause. As the bell signaling lunch
struck, I thought how Miss Robinson might want to make herself a nice cup of tea for that
conversation. I slung my backpack over my shoulder and made my way to the cafeteria.

Chapter Seven

The crowded hallway contained many familiar faces, but two in particular caught my
attention. One had brown eyes and a sharp jawline, and the other had blue eyes and a delicate
smile. Seeing Dylan and Hannah together was not a shock, but seeing the two holding hands
was. I continued wading through the sea of bodies with my mind full of questioning thoughts.

Chapter Eight

The following day no visitors came during my TA period. However, when I was filing
paperwork I came across a report from the janitor. It was from a week ago, around the time
the sodium azide went missing. There was a play being performed at the school auditorium
that night; practically the whole town was at the school. He reports that a student asked him
to unlock the Mr. Howards classroom because she had forgotten her chemistry textbook. He
had, and just stepped away for a second to scold some little kids that were roughhousing in
the hallway. He returned to lock the door and says that the student left with her textbook.
According to him she was not holding anything besides the book, nor did she have a backpack
or bag at the time.
The girl that had retrieved her book was Darby Williams. Darby is a responsible
student with good grades and no discipline record. I couldnt think of anything that connected
Darby to Penelope, besides a general acquaintanceship. I finished my filing tasks without any
more snooping.

Chapter Nine

Jims was bustling, not uncommon for 3:30. Those that didnt have sports or clubs
after school often went there to hang out. Avery was on shift, and she greeted me with
enthusiasm, though I couldnt tell if she recognized me or not. I ordered a hamburger and
chocolate shake and sat at one of the few empty spots.
It had been a crazy week. I sipped my shake in silence, lost in thought. Why would
someone kill Penelope? How did they do it? Andwho? Were the juniors at the lunch table
right that Camira was getting revenge? Did this have something to do with Hannah and
Dylan? Maybe they were in on it together? It could be a tale of jealousy, academic or
otherwise. Or maybe Grant was securing his job. For all I knew, it was something else all
together.
I was stirred out of my morbid musing when the bell on the door jingled and Danielle
entered the diner. Danielle and I werent close, but we had a few classes together, and I
waved hello. I lazily considered the fact that it was Danielles birthday. They announce
birthdays over the school speaker every morning during announcements.
I surveyed the diner, seeing my classmates faces. There were smiles and laughs and
smirks. It seemed like a cheery scene. I recognized most of the people. Many of them I had
never said two words to.
I looked back at the counter as Avery handed Danielle an ice cream cone with an
enthusiastic Happy Birthday! I noted with curiosity that the ice cream was sans adornment.

Chapter Ten

The day started normally. It seemed like an ordinary Thursday morning until I arrived
at my TA period and saw Miss Robinsons face. She greeted me with a smile but her eyes had
sadness in them. She informed me that there might be some visitors coming; I didnt inquire.
Halfway through the period Principal Harper and a group of police officers entered the
counseling office. Miss Robinson shook hands with the officers and spoke with them in
hushed tones. Suddenly the school secretarys voice bellowed over the PA system: Avery
Patterson please report to the counseling office. Immediately.
My eyebrows shot up and I looked at the officers huddled around in the small office.
Avery killed Penelope? I didnt know what to think or how to feel. I stood numbly in the
corner as we all waited for a murderer to arrive.
The hushed whispers fell silent as Avery stepped primly into the office. She looked
around the room with an unreadable face. A silence hung in the air.
 Avery Patterson, you are under arrest for the murder of Penelope Winters, an officer
spoke, and Avery was informed of her rights as she was handcuffed.
Second place is nothing to be ashamed of, Miss Robinson said softly to no one.
Until then Avery had said nothing. She had stood tall with a blank face. But now she
roared at all of us. Penelope made a joke of the pageant! She entered because of a bet! And
all she ever did was make fun of it! Miss Pinewood is the biggest event we have in this cow
town, and I dreamed of winning the title since I put on my first plastic tiara. But the town just
falls at Penelopes feet; everything about her is perfect! She stole my crown and disrespected
everything about the competition, she puffed angrily. The sudden outburst had frightened
me, but the scariest thing was when she finished her rant and immediately went back to her
calm exterior. She flashed a toothy smile as the police escorted her out.
Miss Robinson addressed Principal Harper after the group had left. I was still
forgotten in the corner of the room. Avery held resentment for Penelope since the Miss
Pinewood Pageant. Avery and Darby are lab partners, and last week Avery made sure
Darbys book got left in the classroom. After Darby asked Mr. Lanning to open the room,
Avery paid some of her younger brothers friends to distract him, and then she snuck into the
lab while Darby was getting the book. She slipped away with a container of sodium azide
before he returned. When Penelope and her friends went to Jims, Avery had a birthday
surprise for her. I saw Jim at the grocery store and he said his shop doesnt carry cherries.
Yet Penelopes ice cream was done up prettily; Avery had put the sodium azide in a cherry
and brought it to Jims, expecting the birthday girl to show up. A real shame.

Chapter Eleven

Although I was there at the time of Averys arrest, I heard so many variations of what
happened that the facts I knew to be true got washed away among the endless amount of
gossiped stories. No person at the school had the same combination of all the elements of the
story. But perhaps thats how life works. Its an endless collection of story pieces. And no one
puts together the same combination.