The morning streaks of light struck on my face as I got ready for school. I was wide awake. My head going back to the last conversation I had with Alan. The anger was still blazing inside me, but I knew it wasn't his fault. At least he told me right in front of my face rather than showing fake sympathy.

Remorse, shame, and sadness swept over me. I got dressed, in my own time, not wanting to go.

"Jo, you ready to go?" Dad called out, and he was giggling for adding a perfect rhyme to my name.

I went downstairs with a sour expression on my face. My backpack falling off my right shoulders, matching my weary expression.

"You are dropping me off at school?"

"Yup!"

I stood there, arms crossed, giving a scrutinizing stare at my parents.

"What?" Mom asked, packing her bag.

"Do you people know something? Are you both trying to make me feel better because it's weird? Even yesterday, mom picked me up from school. You guys never do that. I know how busy you are at your work. So why now? Why again, today?"

Dad shared a look with mom, before replying. "Why do you have to make everything so intense, Jo! Laugh a little! And we know nothing. If you want to tell us, you can."

"Great, that's never happening," I answered, running towards the car.

***

I entered the school and stood in front of the entrance muttering to myself that this is the last year and I won't be coming back here again. To this school and to this small- fast-spreading- gossip city.

I turned my head to see if my parents are hiding somewhere, stalking me. Thankfully, they weren't there. My eyes caught the attention of something else. Something which suddenly awakened me from my depressed and disappointed state. Across the street opposite to school, a police car was parked, and it wasn't anyone's car. It was Anna's! I knew it because I can see her standing outside the car talking on the phone. My breath hitched when I saw a dusty, light brown-haired boy reclining in the closed window of the car.

"Is that... Alan?" I asked myself, a smile curling on my lips.

There was a 98% chance it was him. I squinted and moved closer to see clearly. From my view, I could see his back. He was holding his phone near his ear. My phone buzzed with vibration, and I guessed he was calling me. I checked my phone anyway to see if it's true and his number flashed on my screen. By now, I can remember his number.

I beamed, feeling delighted. With no second doubt, I walked towards the car, to the opposite side of the road. I didn't pay attention to my surrounding at all. I just felt happy on seeing him and wanted to apologize, fixing my mistake.

I heard his car's engine getting started, and that's when I rushed towards the car. But immediately, a firm hold on my arm halted my movements. Someone pulled me and I landed, hard, on the road. A truck stood inches away, and I realized what just happened. If it wasn't for someone pulling me, the truck would have hit me.

I shifted my gaze, watching the police car going away, oblivious to whatever has happened.

"Alan!" I screamed, hoping his mom or Alan himself would hear me. But nothing happened. So I stood up to thank the person who pulled me.

But I wished I didn't.

It was Jack.

"Alan?" He asked, almost whispering.

I turned to glance at the empty road before walking away, leaving him stranded on the road.

***