Casey

I groan as I fumble with my keys to lock my door. I glance over just as her door opens and she steps out. I eye her a bit longer before remembering my task at hand and continuing to lock my door. The both of us walk down the hallway and step into the elevator. The silence settles in and I can't help but to hold my breath.

I glance over at the teacher, noticing her keep her head down. Is she okay? Once we get to ground level and the elevator doors open allowing us to exit, I let out my breath. I walk towards my car watching Ms. Howard walk towards hers as well.

I ignore the thoughts running through my head as I get into my car. I make it to school in under 10 minutes. I think it's an achievement. I usually drive slower because I dislike being at school. I make it in just before Ms. Howard does which I find funny because we left at the same time.

I look around my locker in confusion. Edwin should've been here by now. Hell he usually meets me by the entrance. I pull my phone out from my back pocket and text him. Seconds later I get a reply.

Eddy: Sorry babe, mom's not feeling good. I'm missing out today. But after school can you get my work for me and bring it over? Love ya

I can't help but groan as I hit my head against my locker door. I'm alone all day! I sigh, grabbing my things and heading towards the cafeteria. I'm not even hungry anymore. Despite my mood I grab food, knowing in 5 seconds I would regret not eating. What can I say? I'm a sucker for food. Oh and girls.

"You alone today?" I hear and roll my eyes. My day couldn't get any worse could it? "Unfortunately" I hiss turning and spotting a smiling Duke. How could he be so happy this early in the morning? And not to mention he's smiling towards me. Has he forgotten about the party already?

I eye the blonde for a few seconds before turning to continue grabbing my food. Once I'm out the line I head towards my table. "I'll be glad to take Edwin's place for today." Why can't he just forget I exist?

I frown at his statement, "Edwin is irreplaceable." I could see my comment stinging him and I smile in victory. However he doesn't back down. "Oh c'mon Case. You could use a friend today--"

"I don't need friends."

"Then what about Edwin?"

"He's more like a brother but he doesn't count he's my best friend!"

"He told me he has a crush on you" Duke spits causing me to choke on my orange juice. I glance at the boy in disgust. There's no way Edwin would ever have a crush on me. We're basically siblings.

"Edwin Lewis did? Yeah no. We're like brother and sister. Not to mention but I'm not exactly his type" I scoff. I knew Edwin like the back of my hand. If he liked me I would be the 2nd to know. He'd definitely had told his mom first.

"Oh but he did! He told me during class. He said he'd wish you stop sleeping around and actually see that he's the one for you."

I practically feel myself puke in my mouth. I shake my head in denial. I knew for a fact Edwin didn't like me. And this blonde idiot wasn't going to change my mind. "So you'll reject him too?"

"Hell yes I would. How many times do I have to tell you, I'm a lesbian. I like girls. Pussy. Titties" I hiss in annoyance. Why were men so freaking difficult? Duke takes a bite of his apple, his face unbothered by my language.

"Have you ever been with a guy to know?"

"Okay, this conversation is over. You're obviously too stupid to understand what Lesbian means. Oh and by the way your girlfriend tasted good against my lips" I walk away with a smile. Duke's jaw drops and I feel victorious.

I make my way towards my first class, passing up Ms. Howard in the process. Her eyes hold this distant look, her face holding an obvious frown. I watch Mrs. Evans walk up to her, scaring her a little. Ms. Howard offers a small smile before tears are evident. Mrs. Evans pulls her into a hug.

"Forget him, hun" I hear her say. I decide to walk into my classroom first before they notice me.

- - - - -

3 classes down one to go. I sigh in annoyance and fix my back pack strap. There's a tap on my shoulder and I try to hold in my groan as I glance over. A smiling Jasmine catches my eye and I throw her an awkward smile.

"I think I deserve better than that smile. Especially after Friday" she teases. "About that, how's it been between you and Duke?" I question. I assumed they were still together, but I didn't know for sure.

"Oh, he broke up with me in 2nd period. I'll deal though" she chuckles awkwardly. "You sure?"

The girl nods her head just as we arrive to class. I allow her to enter first being that something else caught my attention. I eye the older woman down the hallway. It was so obvious she wasn't in her right state of mind today. Her eye lift from the floor and meet mine. I offer a small smile because I was caught staring.

However she doesn't throw one back causing me to feel a little like shit. "Ms. Kings?" I hear. I turn and spot a questioning English teacher. "I don't know who you're trying to flirt with but get to your seat, the bell's about to ring."

I do as told, taking my seat next to Jasmine. I wonder if she's okay. Not that I care or anything, I just don't like when people are sad. Suddenly, I feel out of the mood. My mind races as I remember a certain someone who was no longer in my life.

I don't know how long I had been out of it but hearing Mrs. Evans call out to me, brings me back to reality. "Ms. Kings do you need to go to the nurse?"

I notice multiple eyes on me and clear my throat. I shake my head and try to focus for the rest of the class. Every few seconds my eyes land on Mrs. Evans. Maybe she could tell me what was wrong with Ms. Howard. But then again isn't that inappropriate? I sigh once I hear the bell ring.

I was finally done with classes today. "Hey, I noticed Edwin wasn't here, is it okay if I sit with you at lunch?" I eye Jasmine before nodding my head. I could use the company. Plus, if I saw Duke it would be a big slap to the face.

Once Jasmine and I had our lunch we head to an empty table. "Who do you usually sit with at lunch?" I question. Jasmine was a pretty girl so I expect her to sit with the rest of the pretty girls. "I don't usually eat lunch. I spend my lunch time in the library."

I smirk as my eyes meet hers, "So you're beauty and brains?" I question flirting lightly. I watch the girl blush before chuckling. "Oh, you'll sit with Jasmine but not me?" we hear. The both of us glance over to Duke in annoyance.

"Yes because she's hot" I wink towards the brunette. She laughs lightly. Duke takes a seat beside me and I throw my head back.

Why didn't he take a hint? Why must we place this game? More like he's forcing me to play this game. The rest of lunch consists of Jasmine and I having small conversation and Duke interrupting to say something stupid.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow, I guess" I wave at Duke and Jasmine as I walk down the hallway. I pull my phone out, remembering I was supposed to get Edwin's work before I left the school. Great I have to talk to teachers!

I ask him for his classes to which he complies and sends his schedule to me.

I head to his classrooms, thankful that all teachers cooperate. I wasn't too glad that majority of his classes were not close to each other, so I had to exercise a little too much. Then there was one.

I stood outside the classroom, preparing myself. For what? I had no idea. I enter the classroom, spotting Ms. Howard at her desk. I'm guessing she doesn't have a class this period. "Hey" I mutter.

Ms. Howard glances up from her desk, her eyes a bit puffy. She eyes me a bit before looking back to the paperwork on her desk.

"Uh, my friend Edwin wasn't here today and wanted me to pick up his missing work" I mutter as I walk further into the classroom. I seriously hate Edwin for this! "Edwin Lewis?" she finally speaks, her voice betraying her and cracking.

She clears her throat and I nod. "I'll get that for you." My heart aches at her voice. She sounds sad, heartbroken. I watch the small woman stand, grabbing the worksheets for Edwin. Once she had everything needed, she headed over to me.

I took the papers from her and thanked her before leaving the classroom. I barely made it out the school when I turned around and headed back to her class. She was in her seat again.

"Emily I'm fine" she sighed thinking I was someone else. However when her eyes met mine she blushed in embarrassment. I clear my throat.

"I don't want to overstep any boundaries, but it you would like someone to talk to I'm available."

What the hell was I doing? The woman offered a small smile and nodded her head. "You know where I live" I throw in with an awkward laugh. I take my leave and this time I was gone.