The teacher's voice was slow, tedious, monotonous... I wanted to give him an adrenaline shot just to see if he could be just a little more vivid. I gotta say I wasn't a fan of Biology either, but even I could see Kimberly's sleepiness was too much. I watched as her lids fluttered close once more and her head dipped further into her hand, losing the fight in staying awake.

"Kimmy." her eyes snapped open with a sharp intake of breath. "Are you listening?"

"Mhm." she relaxed once more, curving over the double desk we shared at the back of the classroom, looking tired as ever. "Yes, yes."

"Yes what?"

"To what you say."

I scoffed. "I haven't say anything."

"Then stop bothering me." she groaned dropping her head into her arms.

It would had been amusing if it wasn't for this bad feeling I was having about this whole scene. Not only her ever-present exhaustion she'd been showing lately, but also her pale skin and dark circles under her eyes.

Even in that huge hoodie I could see she was getting thinner, her cheekbones and collarbone were more prominent each week and there was also this weird behaviour she was having. All closed off, snappier than usual, she barely hang out with us anymore and when she did it was 'cause we basically forced her to.

If things were weird before, after getting kicked out the squad it has been getting worst... Or maybe because of it she'd been kicked out. I wouldn't know. And she wasn't telling much.

"Are you okay?" I whispered as the teachers monotonous voice kept going on the background, boring the class to the core.

"Mhm." Kimmy didn't even opened her eyes. "Just tired."

That was her answer for anything and it was driving me crazy because it was such a ballant lie, as if she took us for stupids.

"You sure?" she opened one eye to glare at me but I just frowned back. "You look sick."

"Wow." she scoffed, rolling her eyes but not making an attempt to explain further. "You know how to make a girl feel special. Is this how you courted Gracie?" I glared at her mock and she chuckled into her arm, but even that sounded tired. "I'm joking. Lighten up."

"Are you seriously telling me that?" she shrugged and I let out a sigh, frustrated at her attitude and absent-mindedly brushed her hair off her face. What I wasn't expecting was that a strand slid along as I retreated the hand, laced in my fingers. My stomach twisted agressively from the impression. "What-"

"Nate." she cried out, her eyes widened at the sight of it as well and she straightened, very awake all of the sudden. She brought one hand brushing her hair and some more dark hairs got stuck in her fingers. Her eyes watered as she stared it. "What the fuck?"

"W-why is your hair falling off?" I stuttered, still in shock and her eyes widened even more, hushing me in franticness as she glanced around but no one was paying attention to us. Every beat of my heart felt stronger and more deafening, numbing my mind as I struggled to understand why was I holding a strand of hers, but she shook her head, quickly grabbing her things and standing just as the bell rang over our heads. "Kimmy-"

"Fuck off."

"Hey, wait!" But she was the first exiting the class, before I could fully process what just happened and when I managed to give my legs the order of following her there was already a tide of student blocking the path and when I made it to the hallway there was no sign of Kimberly anymore.

Fuck my life.

Her hair... my guts twisted when I realized I was still holding the lock. Fuck. I stuffed it in my hoodie's pocket, pushing down the shiver as I tried not to drag too much attention and forced my legs to move out the middle of the hallway.

What on earth? I knew she was feeling weaker and wasn't on her best moment... but why would her hair fall off?! I discreetly get rid of the lock on the bid at the corner and supress the sudden nauseous feeling climbing inside me. Why why why-

My fingers were shaking when I pulled my phone out and quick search for her contact but my call had already been diverted to the voicemail by the time I reached my locker. I tried again, and again, but she wasn't answering. Worst, she was hanging up on me. The nauseous feeling only increased as horrible ideas filled my head.

I typed quickly.

: pls anwer me

are you ok?

kimmy im worried

Surprise surprise, no answer.

I texted Seth then, not explaining everything but just that she wasn't fine and went see if I could find her. Now it was our free period but Kimberly had Calculus if I remember correctly. Seth went to her locker and I went see if I found her in class. She wasn't there either and no one had seen her for the time I get to stick around before the teacher arrived and kicked me out to start the class.

My chest clenched. What the hell, Kimmy?

I took my phone again, ready to try again the pointless calls but then I got a text.

: talked to the caretaker. Said she wasn't feeling well and got picked up earlier.

Oh my God, what the hell, Kimmy? At least part of my suffocating apprehension loosen once I knew she wasn't passed out somewhere hidden. Could it be drugs? Kurt's older brother was sent to rehabilitation two years ago and he did lose several pounds and look emaciated. But Kimmy? It didn't sound like her but I couldn't be sure anymore.

: thanks man

And as soon as the text was sent I called the Thander's house, helding my breath as the beeping streached, almost mocking me, and I prayed all the gods. I almost sighed when they did pick it up and a known nasal voice of the housekeeper came from the other end:

"Rick and Valery's Thander's place."

"Naomi, hey. It's Nate."

"Oh, Mr Nate!" she sounded almost sad as she recognized me. "How are you? Have you seen the little miss?"

"That's why I'm calling." I cleared my throat, leaning against the cold wall of the now empty hallway. "Has Kimberly called?"

"Yes, Mr Nate, she has." she sighed. "Poor thing. Wasn't feeling well. The stomach bug again, I'm afraid. I've sent Aaron for her a while ago and they just texted they're on their way."

Aaron was the gardener, if I wasn't mistaken. A kind middle age man she's always had a soft spot for. Well, guess that means Kimmy was in good hands now, right? They'd take care of the 'stomach bug' or whatever. But I didn't found much calm in that. Something was still off. Her hair was falling off! Okay, maybe I was exaggerating? It had been a strand.... but still! Hair don't just decided to fall and stuff. Something about her was damn wrong and the more she blocked us the more it was crystal clear.

I brushed my hair, stressed as more chaotic thoughts swirled in my overactive mind. "Could you, maybe, tell me when she gets home safe?"

"Sure Mr Nate. I'll tell her to call you."

I was about to protest, knowing if she left it up to Kimmy the black haired girl wouldn't but Naomi had already hanged up.

Fuck! This was all fucked up! So, so fucked up...

I felt the urge to hit something, frustrated at me at Kimmy. At not having paid enough attention and now it was something serious if her body was reacting like this. Damaging...

"Nate". I looked up at the femenine voice but my lame hope crushed when I immediately spotted Trish turning the corner with Jody, her ever-present follower. The both shared a look and the blond waved her goodbye, coming this way. Her friend marched away as if nothing happened, leaving me alone in the empty hallway with my ex. Just what I needed at the moment. Great.

"What's up?" I asked not really feeling like making conversation, my mind still overthinking the whole scene, but it wasn't like I was going to let Trish know. I still didn't know what to feel about her after her stunt in her party.

"A lot, honestly." she smiled stepping closer, her hand coming up to fiddle with her pendant almost innocently but I wasn't buying it. "It's been a while since we last talked. How is everything?"

"Good." I lied hushedly, not really in the mood to entertain her with my drama. Well, not even mine. "You?"

She smiled. "Me too."

"Okay." there was a second of silence, tension filling the air and I shifted uncomfortably in my feet. What was she waiting for?

"So?" she perked one brow, expecting, and I only got more clueless.

"So..."

Trish rolled her eyes. "Are you gonna asked me to Snow Ball or what?"

"What?" I swear at times I couldn't figure her out at all. Where does this even come from? "Tell Ashton to do that."

"As if he'd drop by an school's ball... Besides we've broken up." she huffed as if it was the most obvious thing ever and I almost laughed at that turn of events even considering my current mood.

"You mean he dumped your ass?"

Her eyes narrowed at my crudeness but I couldn't help it. Karma's a bitch. "Turns out college girls are more entertaining than me." she pursed her lips. "Well, screw him. I don't even care. Are you gonna ask me or what? I've already turned down Kevin and Lewis but if you don't make a move soon I'mma start to think of other options."

So not only I was the sloppy second but also had to dance at her tune. Just classic Trish. If I didn't found myself caring this little I would be offended.

"Then start away."

"What?" her eyes widened in disbelief, her sweet act dropping for a second before she recompose and eyed me with narrowed, suspicious eyes. "Who are you taking?"

At the stupid question I'd been receiving all week my heart squeezed yet again. "No one. I'm going with the team."

"As if." she didn't believe me for a second but I shrugged. It wasn't like it was her business either way. "You're lying."

"Why would I?" I huffed and she just scowled further, trying to read through me. Once more, the silence got me shifting in the balls of my feet. What was I still doing there? I got more urgent things to take care of... or maybe just bang my head into the wall rather than held this tense conversation with my ex. "Well, nice. I think I'll just-" but she halted me by the arm before I could go.

"For how long are you gonna be mad at me, uh?" her tone was more hurried now and I got the first glimpse of her true intentions when she decided to approach me. "I haven't even done anything."

"I'm not-"

"You never had time for me anymore! Not like before." She pouted, narrowing her bright big eyes and showing off that childish side of the Roosevelt's sunshine not many people get to see. I was one of the few lucky ones to know she wasn't all sweetness and rainbows. "How stupid you think I am? You're avoiding me."

Well, not exactly, but leave it to Trish to arrange the world so it revolves around her.

At any other moment it would had been almost amusing to see her this frustrated when it was usually the other way around, but I wasn't in the right mind state to deal with her tantrum on top of everthing. She'd never cared about what I wanted, about when was the right moment for me. And now she was frustrated because... what? I didn't have time? She broke up. After being the cheater.

"People is talking." she praised further. "It makes absolutely no sense you're ditching me like that."

"Ditching you?" I scoffed in disbelief, not having expect such a conversation, specially because I was still at ease and shaken at the Biology problem.

"You're humiliating me, Nate. On purpose."

A breathed out a incredulous chuckle, shaking my head, and my chest swirled with the unlaced stress and frustration. I was already on the verge, the last thing I need was Trish's melodrama to deal with as well. I might end up bursting out on her and that won't be nice. "I'm not doing this now." I turned and went to move but her sneer came instantly.

"Of course not. All you have time for now is your Gracie."

I halted, getting more defensive as she brought Hailey into this. I was used by now to her shift of moods and how she was hot and cold over me, but bringing Hailey was crossing a thin line I thought it was silently stablished between us. Again.

"You know what?" I turned facing her once more just in time to see her covered her surprised gaze with a smug one in no time. "Fine. Let's talk about this. Why would you tell Hailey we hooked up in your party?"

"Well, we would had if she wasn't monopolizing you." she rolled her eyes condescendingly, but there was a hint of utter annoyance taining her voice. "Weren't you a 'free spirit'? Allergic to commitment and all that?"

I shook my head, ignoring the jab her words caused in my chest and focused on my previous question. "Why, Trish?"

"Because I thought her oh sweet little heart wouldn't cope with sharing you. She shouldn't have."

My fist clenched at her mocking, vexed the more her mouth run. "You almost made us br-" I stopped myself but Trish caught it and her eyes flared.

"Made you what? Break up?" I kept quiet, unsure of my own response. Could we break up when we weren't anything in the first place? Her laugh irritated me to no end. "Be serious, Nate. I did it as a favor."

"A favor?"

"Don't you get it?" she hold my hand in hers and stepped closer, eying me softer this time. "You should had come to your senses by now and realized what a mistake you're making with the farmer girl. If she'd got the hint and get out the way we could had been together already."

What the hell? Together? I furrowed my brows when there was no trace of taunt in her steel bright eyes. "Trish, we-"

"I want you back."

I scoffed tempted to laugh again at her bratty non-sense. I couldn't believe I'd found it cute at some point. "Well, I don't." I snatched my hands free and would had felt bad for the hurt that swirled in her eyes but I was getting this annoyed. "We broke things up. You did."

"That's never stopped you from wanting me before."

"Yeah but I'm with someone now." I immediately replied and only after realized what I'd said at the same time her face contorted, betrayal written all over her expression.

"So you're dating?"

"No. We..." my heart sped like everytime that dreading topic was touched but I shook my head and pushed it down, gritting out: "That's none of your business."

Trish brought her hands up, waving frustratedly. "Nate please. It's Gracie!"

"Don't call her that."

"And she likes Justin, everyone knows it. She's just using you!" my jaw thicked so hard it was beginning to hurt. She doesn't. She said she likes me. Me only. I wanted to push away and put an end to this infuriating interrogation, but I forced myself to keep my cool some more. Yet Trish wasn't done bullshitting. "Besides, she's so not your type."

"Oh, and you are?" I breathed out, not believing this conversation was actually happening, but it fell to deaf ears as she shook her head.

"She's fine melting in the crowd, you need someone who can stand in the spotlight with you. By your side. I can do that. We have already."

"Yeah." I chuckled bitterly, aggravated she was using that card. "We did that and that didn't work out, remember?"

She grimaced at my tone but covered it immediately after and waved a hand dismissingly, frustrating me all the more. "This is getting ridiculous. You wanted to get back at me, I get it. Can we stop this nonsense now?"

"Trish you're not getting it-"

"What's there to get? You win. I've realized I want you back." she smirked, stepping closer and sliding her hands up my chest to lace them on my neck, but before she could I grabbed them, peeling them from me; for the first time repeled by her touch.

"This isn't about you, okay? I'm with someone else now."

"Uh." she huffed and suddenly she looked way more childish in a tantrum. "What does that little farmer has that I don't?"

Really? I shook my head. It couldn't be compared!

With Trish our realtionship had always been ups and downs, we feed on the rush of the highs, where everything was amazing, and then stretched it until it tired us and came the downs. We would fight and hurt but it was that same attraction that keep bringing us together for more rounds. I was always at ease with her, it was exciting and raw and she'd been a constant in my life in a moment where I needed the love she gave me. But that felt like a closed chapter now.

With Hailey we didn't had this burning fire, like explosions that consumed us to ashes; instead it was more like a slow burn. This felt natural, and easy, passionate in different ways, not better nor worst, just different. And what I needed right now. With Hailey I didn't have to pretend at all, we didn't need a label. We were ourselves, together. With her I was so comfortable in my own skin that sometimes I forget why I even had walls for -and what's more dangerous; I felt safe enough to drop them. That realization was both scary and comforting in some way.

Yet I couldn't nor wanted to tell Trish any of that and she took my silence in the wrong way.

"See? You can't even think of one thing." she stepped closer again, making me feel cornered all of the sudden. I wanted out, yet she looked at me with her big doe eyes and I couldn't bring myself to snap like I wanted a moment ago. "Come on. I've even shared you with that wannabe cheerleader, but now this? I don't like it. And I want you back."

I really, really had to control myself from laughing at her face then and there. "Well, I didn't like being cheated on."

"You seriously need to move on from that."

My shoulders squared, defensive at her smugness. What a nerve she had. "Me? I am over that. I am moving on from you. From our toxic loop. With Hailey. And I'm not just someone you can throw away and call back because you don't wanna go to the Ball with Lewis or Kevin or whoever. " she pursed her lips and angled her body away from me, arms folding childishly. I forced myself to take a breath and calmed my ragged tone. "Trish, what we had... It was fun while it lasted but -I think it's better is we just let it go."

She shook her head, her lower lip trembling. "You're not thinking straight. You're just bullshiting..."

"I'm not." I tried catching her eyes but she kept glaring the wall instead. I sighed. "Trish-"