University of Iowa
Girls' Dorms
Friday, September 16
3:45p.m.

MB;

Of course, I was somewhat lucky. My romance story was almost completed. We were told that there would be no exceptions and that it had to be turned in on Monday that morning in Mrs. Booke's class. I was busy finishing up the ending, and then I had to edit it all and it would be done. Although, I would most likely type it all out just to make sure it all worked.

Alicia, for some unknown reason, was up and pacing across the dorm. She was very fidgety, and seemed like she was trying to keep herself busy. For a while, I could take it, but it eventually became too much. Not even my dearest pen and notebook could distract my mind from her disturbances.

"What is the matter with you?" I demanded, looking up.

Alicia paused in her constant movement. "I'm nervous…" She bit her lip.

"I'm all ears," I noted.

"Well… Chris just said he needed to talk to me about something important and we're going to a restaurant not very far from here and I just don't know." Alicia groaned and flopped down on her bed.

"I don't know what to tell you, Leesh. It all depends on a tone of voice."

"I know, but it's hard to tell over the phone," she sighed.

It was quiet again, but I had plans to finish my writing over the weekend; I just couldn't do it right then for some reason. I picked up one of my favorite books, Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. I flipped to my bookmark in my tattered, well-read copy and started reading. Allowing myself to slip into the pieces of a book that I loved so much, everything seemed so much simpler.

Just by reading, I was able to go to an alternate reality and forget about my own troubles. I could forget that my life wasn't easy and I could just focus on everything else. Of course, eventually after the book is closed, the worries come flooding back and there is nothing that can be done about it.

The buzz of my iPhone pulled me out of my little trance. Sighing, I slipped my little makeshift bookmark back in and scooped up the phone. My phone nearly slipped out of my hand and crashed onto the floor. I gulped uneasily, chiding myself for not realizing how soon it would happen.

Landon: So, are you busy tonight? I heard that this one new movie is supposed to be amazing.

What was I supposed to say? I would not allow myself to fall into a relationship…

Massie: If we're going as friends.

Landon: Care to explain?

Massie: It's complicated…

Landon: Oh… okay.

Massie: I was hoping you wouldn't give up on me so easily.

I cursed under my breath after I hit send and smacked my forehead. Did I need a filter for my thumbs too?

Landon: Well then, do you still want to see that movie?

Massie: Sure, why not.

Landon: Alright, I'll come by at 7 and we can drive over. See you then.

Massie: Likewise.

I sighed, still wondering what I'd, or rather Alicia had thanks to her texting, gotten into. Again, I pulled out my bookmark and indulged in the world of fiction.

-(0)-
5:45p.m.

Setting my book back down, I leaned on one side, snuggling against the bed. Alicia had just gotten out of the shower and was frantically buzzing around; doing all the necessities to look perfect in Chris's mind. After a few moments, I stood up and yawned again. Apparently, the dining hall food that I'd just had was making me tired.

Finally, Alicia stopped moving around and sat down on the edge of her computer chair. I laughed at her and she turned.

"What?"

"And you tell me that I get too nervous," I noted with a smile.

"Yeah, well, you refuse to get in another relationship. It's different," she pointed out in a huffy tone.

I stared at her incredulously. And she said that she knew me… Shaking my head, I sat back down on the bed, staring at my slender hands and acrylic fingernails.

It was then that she noticed my reaction. "I didn't mean for that to sound…" Alicia started.

"I know… but you still said it." I snatched up my purse that still contained my dorm keys, car keys, iPod, ear buds, iPhone, and wallet.

"Sorry," she muttered.

With a shrug, I stepped outside and headed for my car. Where exactly was I expecting myself to go? I have no idea, but I didn't know I wouldn't make it far before being stopped.

While I was storming across campus, I pulled my hair up with a clip as my emotions switched between frustration, anger, and even a little disappointment. Once again, my mind was beyond cluttered, and it didn't help that all my emotions were flying.

Taking a break, before I got to my car I sat down on a bench and just breathed. I didn't think; my eyes just stared into space; all thoughts and feelings draining from my brain. With a sigh, I sat staring at my hands with my ankles crossed for around five minutes.

I stood up, ready to just get off the campus. But I never got the chance to. There was a sharp pain and everything went black.

-:-

University of Iowa
Campus Hospital
Friday, September 16
10:22p.m.

MB;

My vision was hazed for a few seconds before I blinked the remaining sleep out of my eyes. Confusion settled over me. The room I was in was unfamiliar; and then I realized that it was a hospital room.

Wait, hospital? The only thing I remembered was standing up and then a massive dose of white hot pain. Speaking of pain, my head had been throbbing.

Finally, starting to become more and more aware of my surroundings, I realized that something was gripping my hand. It was a death-grip, but it was tight and somehow gentle at the same time. I turned my head ever so slightly and saw two figures.

I squinted, trying to see through the dark because there was one light on across the room that didn't help whatsoever. After further inspection, I realized that one was Alicia, staring down at her cell phone, her thumbs moving furiously across the keyboard. So if she wasn't holding my hand, who was?

After another minute or so, the other figure became clear. Landon. What in the world was he doing there? Or better yet, why did he have his hand intertwined with my own?

He looked up from staring down at his free hand, catching my gaze with his own. "Massie?" His voice was thick with concern.

I sighed, more confused than ever. "What happened?"

Alicia's head snapped up at the sound of my voice. "Oh, thank God you're awake. I'll go get the nurse," she replied quickly, standing up and striding out of the room.

I groaned as another wave of pain smacked my head. Landon just brushed his thumb against my hand and watched me closely. I still had no idea what had happened or what was going on.

Alicia came bustling back in, followed by a nurse.

"Good to see that you woke up. We will just switch out these cloths," she took off a wet cloth from my forehead that I hadn't realized was there and continued, "and then you should rest more. I know, your head still hurts, but it will go away eventually." The female nurse put on a new towel and skirted out of the room.

Although I still felt weak and quite tired, I wasn't finished. "Alright, will someone please tell me what's going on?" I moaned quietly.

Alicia and Landon glanced at each other. He was the first to speak up. "I went to look for you after you weren't answering your phone and Alicia said you weren't at your dorm. She'd said something about you taking off, so I assumed you were probably somewhere on campus; which you were, just sprawled out on the concrete with your purse lying almost untouched besides you.

"Of course, I called Alicia who called the campus hospital. They came, but woke you up and asked basic questions before doing anything else." He must have noticed the confusion growing on my face because he went further into detail. "You knew the answers, but they said that with the cut on your head you probably wouldn't remember it."

I sighed. "That still doesn't explain how I ended up on the sidewalk…"

Alicia spoke up that time, her tone slow and slightly disturbed. "We don't know. Somebody just attacked you; but the only thing they took out of your purse was your iPhone, wallet, and any jewelry you had in there. I only know that because when they handed me your purse back after 'investigating' it, there was one earring back and I know how OCD you are about those things." She managed a weak smile.

I sighed again, vaguely remembering taking off my diamond studs earlier that day. "Okay, I guess I got it now."

Alicia nodded once. "Oh, and we're the only ones who know currently, other than the hospital, because almost everyone is busy since it's a Friday night. Mainly, they're at the theater. Well, and Chris just knows that I couldn't make it do to personal issues; I didn't want to say anything."

She gave me another half-smile before sitting back down in the chair and leaning back.

"You guys should probably head back to the dorms and get some sleep," I commented, noticing that it was eleven at night by that point.

"I'm good here," Alicia responded, settling further back into the chair. I felt kind of bad, but didn't exactly know how to respond without sounding rude.

"I don't exactly want to leave…" Landon muttered, still holding my hand. It was different, definitely different, but I found myself enjoying it. And what bothered me more than that was that it wasn't bothering me at all; not even a little bit. So yeah, I was essentially bothered, just not by the right thing.

"You still should go and get some sleep if Alicia isn't going to," I urged.

He sighed. "Alright, sleep well Mass."

"You too, Landon."

He let go of my hand and stood up, scooping up his cell phone and hesitantly walking out of the room. The nurse came in and spoke quietly with Alicia before shrugging and leaving.

"You still up to talk a little?" Alicia implored, moving from the corner chair to the one by the bed.

"Yes," I responded. My voice was still quiet and I realized how the tone of my voice had taken on an innocent edge.

"Good, because that was so adorable," she gushed.

"What are you going on about now?"

"You don't know the half of it," Alicia mused, looking over at me with a smile.

"Huh? Oh… oh… I see now." I refrained from giggling at her.

"Well, has your little stubborn self noticed it yet?" A teasing smirk danced across her lips.

"Leesh, I told you before that I won't get into anything like that. Boyfriend/Girlfriend relationships are off limits; you know that," I grumbled.

"You'll change your mind by New Years. I am positive," Alicia deducted, before leaning back into her chair. "Goodnight, Massie."

"Night, Alicia…"

-:-

University of Iowa
Campus Hospital
Saturday, September 17
8:45a.m.

MB;

"Yes, mom, I am completely fine. There is nothing to worry about," I repeated into the phone. After being instructed to call my mom, I was beginning to wonder if they just wanted to know her reaction.

"Darling, the second you started my jaw just dropped and I can't help but be worried. I'm sure you understand that," Kendra stated.

"I guess I do, but I'll be fine. Besides, I've got quite a group switching currently," I sighed.

"Good. You need to be watched. And yes, after you told me what happened, I had your father on the job. He has everything that needs to be cancelled already done and reordered."

"Of course, thanks Kendra. I really should get going though, but I'll call you later."

"Fine, and I am holding your word for that so you can't get out of it."

"Have a good day, Kendra. I love you," I smiled.

"I love you too, Massie dear. Feel better," she responded.

I hung up the phone and leaned back with a sigh. Seriously, it was just a concussion. The only thing I had was a bump and a cut and a headache. After extensive looks while I'd been passed out in the first place, the doctor was sure that I was fine other than that.

Leaning back against the bed, I tapped my fake-nails impatiently against the side of the bed. When were they planning to let me leave? At least my headache was temporarily gone.

"Hey look, Block's up," Kristen called suddenly, having recently picked up on Derrick's last name habit. Olivia marched in behind her.

"What are you guys doing here? It isn't even ten in the morning," I reasoned with a raised eyebrow.

"We are taking you away," Olivia announced.

"Oh, well then thank you." I grinned and then we shared a quick laugh. Alicia came in after a few moments with a coffee up to her lips.

I got up out of the bed and after some serious reasoning from the nurse, was on my way.

We exited the medical area and, although I wanted to walk faster, slowly strolled back along to the girls' dorm area. Of course, to do that, we had to get past the guys without running into Chris, Derrick, Josh, or Landon…

Thankfully, we were able to make it past there and up to Alicia and my dorm. I waved Kristen and Olivia off, telling them that I was super tired, which I was. After a few minutes of being curled up on my own bed, my eyelids fluttered shut and I was asleep again.

-(0)-

12:30p.m.

"So you're the infamous May-see? Ha, looks like you could use that little wimpy Crane guy with you now, huh?" a voice muttered. I was unconscious mostly, but I could just barely here the voice.

"No response? Alright, well I'll just be taking these. Hope someone finds you before it's too late." Pause. "Never mind, I don't really care. Have fun…"

I sat up with a start, and wondered what had happened. Was it just a dream or had I really heard that? And how had I passed out anyway? Sure, I'd gotten hit in the head, but with what exactly? My head was starting to hurt a little again. I just stopped asking myself questions because I couldn't answer them myself.

Looking over, I saw Alicia sitting on top of her cherry red duvet with her legs crossed, typing on her laptop. There was a knock on the door and she playfully rolled her eyes, glancing over at me.

"If I were you, I'd pretend to be asleep. The girls are a lot easier to get through. You're about to have four guys all pounce loudly if you don't," she advised with a snicker.

I obeyed and closed my eyes, slowing my breathing to what seemed like an average sleep rate.

"I brought glitter," Josh, possibly the strangest guy, announced. If I'd had my eyes open, he'd probably be holding up a bottle of the brightly colored specks.

"Dude, I think she's asleep. Shut up," Derrick replied.

"I advise you to listen to Derrick. If you're going to be in here, keep your mouths closed," Alicia warned, slowing down the word closed. I had to love that she had the snarky side when I needed her to use it most.

"Alright, alright, just chill out, hon," Chris' voice soothed.

"Well, at least she's finally sleeping," Landon's voice rang clearer than the rest. I wasn't even surprised to feel my heart-rate pick up again.

"Well, I can't stand being quiet for too long. Landon, Alicia, you two stay here. I will direct these other people to get food," Derrick commanded.

"Why us two?" Landon inquired.

"I think it's pretty obvious," Josh answered before Derrick could.

A few pairs of footsteps left and the door closed softly behind them. I felt another weight gently land on the edge of my bed and I could instantly tell that it wasn't Alicia. And for a few, at least ten, minutes, the whole dorm was just silent, but I still couldn't find myself actually falling asleep again.

"Landon, are you okay?" Alicia asked. I could mentally see her, sitting on her bed across the room, scrutinizing him.

"What do you mean?" came his response.

"I mean that you're sitting there looking all wistful and whatnot."

"It's nothing…"

"Oh, I see. Let me guess, you weren't exactly hoping for the whole 'just friends' thing?" I silently cursed her words.

"How do you even know about that?" His tone was filled with question and wonder.

"Because I talk to her about it. She is one of the most stubborn people you'll meet, just give her some time."

"Oh, you have to be kidding me. Alicia!" I sat straight up in bed, ignoring the throbbing reaction from the back of my head.

"You're awake?" Landon jumped up from the edge of the bed.

I giggled involuntarily. "Whoops…"

"Well then, now that that's taken care of, I have work to do. Hushed tones would be greatly appreciated," Alicia said and wiggled her eyebrows quickly at me before turning back down to her laptop. "Oh, and yeah, Massie you are supposed to take your Tylenol or Advil or whatever now."

I sighed and looked on the nightstand. Sitting there was one of the pills and my bottle of water. With a dejected grumble, I stuck the pill in and swallowed it down with the lukewarm water.

"I didn't know you were awake," Landon mumbled, then leaning against my desk.

"It was her idea," I noted, glancing in the direction of Alicia.

"It was in your best interest. I've been there, trust me."

"You two are dangerous together," he sighed, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his Diesel jeans.

With a shrug, I leaned back against the custom purple and blue silk comforter and pulled my knees up. The only noise was varied breathing and the soft clicks as Alicia's fingers flew back and forth across her keyboard.

"You don't have to stand up, you know," I replied, looking around my knees at him after a few moments. Of course, my palms started getting damp again and my heart sped up slightly when I saw him. Since I had more recognition at that point, I was silently cursing my reactions.

"Okay." He just shrugged and moved from the desk to the edge of my bed by my feet again. "So, how are you feeling after that?"

"All things considering, pretty good."

"I heard that they're getting closer to find out who did it."

"Good…" I trailed off as the weird dream came back into my mind.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

I sat back up and put my legs down besides his, sitting up right next to him. "It's just this really strange dream. It kind of seemed more like a recollection…"

"So, they were right then." Landon nodded thoughtfully.

-:-

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Triple L forever.

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