Kate's POV: Friday October 18th

It's been a week since the incident with Brooke.

To say that it was one of the most horrid experiences of my life would be a vast understatement. I knew in the back of my head that there was a distinct possibility that Brooke wouldn't like me the same way I liked her, but to hear how she thought about me, coming straight from her mouth.

It hurt.

It felt like my heart had been wrenched from my chest and impaled on a rusty pike. I probably deserved this, maybe this was God's way of punishing me for my sinful and sapphic urges. I did my best to suppress any more of these feelings, life would be better that way. The only thing I couldn't suppress was my sadness. I had cried more than I think I ever have before. Maybe it was because I never expected Brooke to be so harsh, but I think it hurt the most because, knowing how honest she was, she wasn't lying.

I think I did make a mistake at confessing this to Chloe, because she had immediately ran to Brooke's room. I later found out that she had punched her among other violent things, Brooke didn't deserve that. I gave Chloe a stern talking to and we both agreed it would be better to just ignore her and move on.

Move on.

For the most part I did. I no longer worried about confessing to my parents, even though my mom still wanted me to leave Blackwell. School life was pretty normal, I went to class, drew in my sketchbook, and I even began playing my violin again to get my mind off things. For some reason Victoria had left me alone all week, why, I had no idea, but I wasn't going to question it. Max checked in on me a few times to see how I was handling everything. She seemed a bit dismayed by my choice to ignore my feelings and move on, but she didn't judge me for it and offered her support if I needed it.

She was such a nice friend.

As for Brooke, I didn't see her at all that week. I never saw her flying her drone, or in the bathrooms, not even in the halls. Honestly, I didn't know how to feel about that. A part of me still liked Brooke, but every time I thought about the snarky girl, pain and anger came flooding back. So, I tried not to think about her.

At all.

However, today was a substantial change of pace. The Vortex Club party was tonight, and everyone was invited. Normally, I didn't go to these kinds of events, but Max and Chloe insisted I come with them, and I supposed spending time with my two best friends would still be fun anyway.

It was 9:10ish, any minute now Chloe and Max would swing by my room and we'd all walk to the pool together. They were running a bit late, as the party was already under way, but I wasn't going to leave without them. I decided to wear my usual cardigan and skirt after my friends insisted this was not a formal affair and I shouldn't worry about it.

I was still nervous though.

I wasn't much of a dancer or anything so I planned to stick by Chloe and Max as much as I could. Then things would be alright. My door opened abruptly and I figured it was Chloe, she didn't always knock.

"Alright Bun-Bun, you ready to cut loose?" Chloe asked, using her affectionate nickname for me.

"I think so, although I don't know about 'cutting loose'." I admitted.

"We'll see about that." Chloe winked brazenly.

"Is she ready?" Came a quiet voice from the hallway. Standing behind Chloe was Max, who looked about as anxious as I was.

"Yes, I think I'm ready Max." I stepped past Chloe and closed the door behind me.

"Alright then, three beautiful girls out for a night of intense partying and fun!" Chloe proclaimed, pulling Max and I to her sides. Both of us giggled as she marched us towards the bustling party.

Brooke's POV

Life fucking sucked.

If the floor wanted to give way and plummet me into a shadowy abyss it would be a blessing. Instead I was left to sulk in my own misery, which was even worse. After my shitty outburst had ruined my only other friendship outside Stella, I desperately tried to return to my usual proceedings.

But I couldn't.

No matter where I went, or what I did, I couldn't stop thinking about Kate. I desperately wanted to try and talk to her about what happened, but every time I saw her I panicked and ran. Good old socially inept Brooke.

Besides, as the week went on I felt like talking to Kate wasn't necessary anymore. Firstly, there was the fact that Chloe would snap my spine in two if I ever went near her. Secondly, she had seemingly moved on. She still looked happy, laughed with her friends, and even started playing her violin again. Kate seemed better, all because she moved on from me.

It fucking sucked.

Adding to my misery was the Ice Queen Victoria. The bitch had stopped harassing Kate and instead found a new target, me. Every morning I got to wake up to some new derogatory comment on my slate, things like: 'Kate's Bitch' and 'Friendless Wondergirl'. I also got tripped in the hallway occasionally and had to endure relentless comments from Victoria and her cronies. It was beyond petty, but it didn't make me feel any better.

Later in the week I decided to hold up in my room entirely to wallow in movies and video games. I didn't bother going to any of my classes, except for Chemistry, it's not like anyone would care if I was absent anyway.

Well, except Stella.

My only remaining friend tried her hardest to pull me out my despondent stupor. She offered to take me out to eat or chill and watch a movie, just anything to get me out of my room. On some level I appreciated her effort, but I couldn't bring myself to take up her offers. I thanked her dully, but explained that I didn't have it in me. Stella responded with an understanding nod and told me she'd be right down the hall if I ever wanted to do anything.

Unfortunately for her, I never wanted to do anything.

Well, at least not until Friday.

I was buried underneath my sheets, barely cognizant to the game I was playing. The soft glow of my TV illuminated my otherwise dark room. The volume was turned down, which was the only reason I heard something being slipped under my door. Turning my head lazily I saw the vague shape of a piece of paper lying on my floor. Since Chloe smashed my prescription glasses I had to wear my cheap backup pair, which only marginally improved my otherwise nearsighted vision.

With great reluctance I slumped off my bed and shambled to pick the scrap off the floor. It was a fancy embroidered note that read:

"Brooke Scott,

You are cordially invited to tonight's Vortex Club Party

The party starts at 8:00 sharp

There will be drinks and food provided for all guests

Wear whatever you like and we hope to see you there!

-Victoria Chase"

For the first time in a week I laughed. It was a cruel and harsh laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. Victoria's overly formal and polite note was obviously part of her intricate payback scheme, she likely wanted me at the party just to fuck with me or something. A part of me was curious to see what Icky Vicky had planned, and the other part of me wanted to score alcohol to drown my depression in.

As I contemplated whether to go or not, a knock came at my door. I grunted in disdain and opened it, expecting Victoria, but was greeted by Stella.

"Hey Brooke, you're looking, um…" She trailed off, likely noticing my disheveled appearance.

"What is it Stella?" I grumbled, not wanting to have prolonged human interaction.

"Well I was making my daily visit to check in on you." She admitted, crossing her arms.

"Well as you can see I'm just glowing with joyous energy." I declared snarkily.

Stella let out heavy sigh, clearly exasperated with my attitude these past few days. Her eyes drifted down to the note I was holding. "What's that?"

"Invitation to the Vortex Club party."

"I heard everyone's invited to it though, why would you get a special invitation?"

I shrugged. "It's from Victoria, so she probably wants to make sure I'll be there."

"Oh Brooke, you're not seriously going, are you? It's obviously some sort of set up."

"I know, but hey I'm kinda curious to see what she could do." The two of us stood in silence for a minute, with Stella putting on a dire and concerned face. "Look the party is in an hour or so, I should probably get ready."

Stella looked reluctant to let me go, but she shifted her arms down and relented. "Alright, just be careful okay? I don't want Victoria slitting your throat or anything."

"I'll be fine, promise." I reassured her, even though I was uncertain myself.

"Ok, see you after the party I guess, I'm not going if that wasn't obvious."

I managed a small smirk. "I gathered, don't worry I'll give you all the details of the infamous Vortex Club party." Stella nodded and made her way down the hall back to her own room. I slunk back into my domain and flipped on the lights. Time to get ready for a wild night.

My head was pounding.

My vision was swirling with obnoxious colors and images.

I hated parties.

I had only gone halfway through my drink, so I knew I wasn't drunk. I think the atmosphere of the event was doing this to me. I brought the cup to my lips and forced the burning liquid down my throat. I had no idea what I was drinking, I really wasn't an alcohol connoisseur or anything. Glancing up from my spot at the 'bar', I saw random students dancing around the pool's edge or actually swimming in said pool.

I rolled my eyes and went back to my drink. It still enflamed my insides, but that was what I was looking for. I hadn't run into Victoria yet, and I was half wondering when she'd show herself, but I really wasn't in any rush to see her.

My attention was drawn to someone approaching the bar and grabbing a drink, clumsily spilling some of it on the table. I was about to go back to ignoring everything around me when the person spoke up.

"Oh heyyyy what's up Brooke?" A familiar voice slurred.

Warren.

Fuck.

"Piss off Warren." I responded as evenly as I could.

"Awww come on Brooke don't be like that, I just wanna chat with one of my favorite girrrls." He breathed heavily, now slumping over right next to me. I wanted to push him onto the floor and move on, but I didn't want to draw any attention to myself.

"Well if that's the case go find Max." The venom in my voice was lost on the intoxicated boy who simply frowned in disappointment.

"I tried to, but she's not here yet, but hey at least I got you." Warren drooped his arm over my shoulder and now I pushed him off.

"What the fuck does that mean?" I shouted, clenching my plastic cup angrily.

"Well you know you like me right?"

I thought about that. I had liked Warren a lot, but after the whole Max incident, I'm not sure I did anymore.

No.

Scratch that.

I didn't at all.

"No I don't, besides you like Max more anyway."

Warren's face dipped for a moment of brief recognition before he broke out into a goofy smile. "True, it's super-duper funny actually, the only reason I asked you out in the first place was because I thought Max wouldn't go for me, ha." My entire body tensed up at Warren's careless words.

"So what, I was just your back up plan this whole time?!" Even though my voice was somewhat drowned by the music, some people turned to look at my outburst.

"Umm, wait did I say that?" Warren seemed to sober up briefly enough to realize the mistake he had maid, but I didn't care. I shoved him roughly onto the floor and stormed off towards the exit. No alcohol or petty Victoria scheme was worth enduring this shitfest any longer.

"Oh, well if isn't everyone's favorite socially inept nerd."

Speak of the devil.

Victoria was standing right in front of me by the pool's edge, Taylor backing her up from behind. "I am so glad you managed to drag your dumpy ass to our party, I bet it beats sobbing in your room over your girlfriend Kate."

I was not in the mood. "Shut up Victoria."

The pixie cut blonde merely scoffed in response. "Like that's going to happen, you're on my turf now, and I'm not letting you get away with that insult from last week."

"Oh you remembered? I'm flattered." My casual indifference was clearly pissing Victoria off, as she grit her teeth in annoyance.

"Nobody insults a Chase like that, you obviously have no idea who you're messing with."

"I know I'm messing with someone who's pathetic enough to write insults on little paper balls and lie in wait just to throw them at some innocent girl." Victoria's face flushed red with anger, although it could've also been a reflection off one of the colorful party lights. She took a step towards me aggressively, her hands balled into fists.

"Look here you little bitch-" Victoria began, but was stopped by me placing both my hands on her shoulders.

I was fucking done with Bitchtoria.

In one fluid motion I shoved her roughly to the side, and sent the blonde flailing into the pool. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy hearing the loud splash and the enraged screams that followed. The rest of the partygoers either gasped or cheered at the spectacle. Taylor quickly bent over to fish out Victoria, but I didn't stick around, I wanted one last victory drink.

Thankfully, Warren had left the makeshift bar and I could grab a drink alone. Some girl behind the table slid a new drink over to me, I was honestly to tired to care what it was. I quickly brought the fermented liquid to my mouth and downed about half the cup in one go. I practically flinched after swallowing it, it burned exactly like the last drink, but this one seemed to physically pain me.

Exactly what I needed.

I was about to grab my drink and leave before Victoria's sopping ass could get to me, but I found myself in an odd haze. My vision began swimming, all the colors and sounds of the party began blending into one bizarre sense. I leaned back from the table and stumbled on to my feet. Everything was spinning, my brain felt like it was on fire.

Spinning.

Blurring.

What's going on.

W-What's.

Going.

On…

Kate's POV

The party was more intense than I could've ever imagined. Booming music, shining lights, drunk students, it was something else. I was beyond uncomfortable, but with Max and Chloe by my side I felt like I could at least try to have some fun, no drinks of course, but I could just hang out and talk maybe?

I knew that was only a faint hope once we got inside. The music was almost deafening and the raucous actions of the party goers started making me feel like this was a mistake on my part. I think Max seemed to pick up on this as she gave me a supportive smile and squeezed my hand.

Come on Kate, it's just a party, not a big deal.

"Hey come On Maxipad, let's go hit the dance floor!" Chloe announced, pulling Max away from me.

"Um Chloe I don't know if-" Max started, but was swiftly interrupted.

"Come onnnn, someone's gotta how these losers how to dance." The bluenette pleaded.

"But Chloe Kate is-"

"I'll be fine Max," I stated, interrupting the two of them.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'll just stick to the sidelines, maybe find someone to talk to." Max nodded and let herself be dragged towards some of the other people dancing by the pool. I took a look around to see if there was anybody I could talk to, but I didn't really recognize anyone. So, I decided to slink up to the wall by the entrance and observe.

Max and Chloe were now dancing awkwardly amongst the other students, I didn't know much about dancing, but even I could tell swaying with your arms waving erratically was a silly performance. More kids were by a temporary stage where a DJ was playing the booming music, who was shouting over the noise. My attention was then drawn to the bar in the corner.

A sizeable crowd had gathered by there and were encircling around something, taking pictures and filming with their phones. I debated on whether or not I should stay put, but my curiosity got the best of me and I made my way over to the commotion. Once I got closer I heard various people hooting and laughing at whatever was happening. I still couldn't see what it was as the wall of bodies was doing an excellent job at obstructing me.

I took a deep breath and began to worm my way through the barrier, uttering 'excuse me' and 'pardon me' as I went. I finally made it to the front of the crowd and I could see what was going on. Two people were laying sprawled out up against the bar and making out furiously. I tried to look away from it before I recognized who the two people were. I think it was Justin and…

Brooke?

Now I couldn't look away. I was still angry at Brooke, but seeing her like this was something else. The two broke apart to the dismay of those filming and I got a better look at the bespectacled girl. Her glasses were hanging loosely off her face, her ponytail had become a bit undone and on the whole she looked ragged. Her red flushed face and dilated pupils told me something was clearly not right.

At this point Justin pulled himself from under Brooke and got up, staggering past the crowd and muttering something about Dana I think. All eyes went back to Brooke who was now sitting up with her head cocked back, mouth hanging open lazily. I think she was giggling about something.

"Alright who's next come on!" Brooke's nasally voice pleaded to the crowd, before she slumped back and hit her head against the bar, eliciting an 'oooh' from the onlookers. I was conflicted, I wanted to help, but Brooke had hurt me a lot, should I?

…

Yes.

Brooke had said things that filled me with sadness and anger, but I still couldn't stand seeing her vulnerable and humiliated. I did my best to tune out the noises as I stepped forward and bent down to Brooke.

"Look, little Kate is going to start sinning with Brooke!" I heard someone shout. Just ignore them, Brooke needs your help.

"Brooke, look at me, are you ok?" I asked, kneeling down in front of her.

"Katie?" Brooke snapped up, staring at me with glossy eyes. I flinched at the affectionate nickname my sisters usually called me and grabbed her shoulders to prevent her from sinking down to the floor.

"Yes, it's Kate, please Brooke are you ok?" I asked again, I could feel the weight of Brooke's body trying to dip back down, she was so out of it that she couldn't even sit up properly.

"I-I noooo, yes, everything… blurry." Brooke slurred out. She shut her eyes and I could feel my grip on her slipping. I surged forward and put my arm around her.

"Can you stand? We need to get you out of here." With everyone jeering around us Brooke needed somewhere quiet and safe to recuperate. Despite looking like she passed out, she managed a feeble nod, and with my help, staggered to her feet.

I gripped her tightly and slowly began walking her away from the bar. To my surprise the crowd dispersed and made room for me to take Brooke away, all except for one.

Victoria.

"And where do you think you're going?" She sneered, blocking my path to the exit. She had her usual superior stature, but also looked… wet? Did she fall in the pool?

"I'm taking Brooke out of here, she's clearly not well Victoria." I remarked simply, hoping Victoria would understand and let me leave. No such luck.

"She's just drunk, that's her own fault, besides she was putting on such a lovely show for us." Victoria's sinister smirk sent shivers down my spine.

"Please Victoria…" I pleaded.

"Put her down Katie so she can continue her slutty theatrics, it'll be more fun for everyone that way." Victoria stepped towards me, looking like she was about to rip Brooke out of my hands. She was probably going to, until Chloe stepped up behind her.

"What's going on Vicky?" She demanded, her words were casual, but they were laced with threat. Victoria spun to face the much taller punk, who had her arms folded and a glare on her face.

"I was just making sure Kate didn't take away tonight's entertainment, Price." Victoria spat. Chloe looked over at me and then at Brooke, who was practically draped over my shoulder.

"Take her and go Kate, I'll handle Icky Vicky." Chloe ordered with a seriousness I didn't often see her display.

"Handle me? Who the fuck do you think you're-" Victoria didn't get to finish her retort as Chloe grabbed her roughly by the collar and began dragging her towards the bathrooms.

Good luck Chloe.

I noticed Max wasn't with her, in fact I couldn't see her anywhere. Well that was something I could ask my friend about later, right now I had to get Brooke out of here.

"Hold on tight Brooke, I'll get you to your room." Brooke merely groaned in response as I began escorting her back to the relative safety of the dorms.

The dorms were practically deserted, I assumed everyone was at the party, or at least somewhere else on a Friday night. It had been tricky getting Brooke all this way and up the stairs, but I was grateful she could walk, even with me having to catch her from slipping a few times. Despite the weird mix of emotions going through me, I primarily felt bad for Brooke. She still didn't seem all there, and with her rough appearance she looked like she had gotten hit by a truck. She didn't talk at all during our trip to the dormitories, besides mumbling my name a few times.

We finally arrived at Brooke's room at the end of the hall, which was thankfully unlocked. I slowly opened the door and led Brooke inside. I brought her to the bed that lay in the middle of her room and slowly brought her down. Upon touching the soft comfort of the mattress, Brooke instantly passed out on top of it. I winced at her sudden collapse, but was relieved when I heard her breathing lightly.

She must have maintained consciousness long enough to make it back ok.

I realized that I had never been in Brooke's room before. It was surprisingly organized, a desk, filing cabinet and several small bookshelves aligned the right wall. Along her left wall was a dresser that had a sizeable TV mounted on it. Her closet was the alcove by the door, just like Max's. She also had several 'Star Wars' and video game posters lining her walls, and even a mini bamboo plant on her desk. It was very quaint.

I made my way to the other side of the bed and took a seat in her desk chair. Part of me wanted to leave, now that my good deed was done, but the other part of me wanted to stay, to make sure she would be alright.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I checked to see who it was.

[Max: Hey chloe told me what happened at the party, you and brooke ok?]

[Kate: Yes, I got Brooke back to her room safely, but what about you, I didn't see you when I left]

[Max: I was dealing with warren he got super drunk and was sad about something so im just making sure hes ok]

[Kate: I guess we're both dealing with drunk friends huh?]

[Max: So youre friends with brooke again?]

I paused. I typed 'friend' as a reflex, I mean I didn't know what else to call her.

[Kate: I don't know Max, I'm still upset over the things she said, should I be friends with her again?]

[Max: idk, that's really up to you Kate]

[Kate: Ok Max thanks]

[Max: sorry Kate I just don't know what to tell you, but Im sure youll make the right decision, ttyl warrens throwing up now, call me if you need anything]

[Kate: ok Max, I will]

I put my phone down on Brooke's desk and sighed. Maybe I'll just stay here until she comes to.

Brooke didn't wake up until 2:00 AM, about 5 hours after the party. I did my best not to fall asleep, but it got increasingly harder as the night dragged on. I staved off boredom by reading random Wikipedia articles on my phone and resisting the urge to browse through Brooke's stuff.

Once my battery got to 9% I put it away and simply watched Brooke. I think she transitioned from unconsciousness to sleeping at some point, as I could hear her snoring softly. Being alone with my thoughts was not a good thing. I kept worrying if I was being too forgiving with how I helped her. Should I be mad and ignore her forever? Should I try and renew our friendship despite everything? I didn't know.

But now she had stirred awake and was staring at me with a confused look on her face.

"Kate?" She whispered.

"Yes, it's me" I responded equally as quiet.

"What happened, last thing I remember I was at the party and…" She gripped her head, groaning in pain.

"I think you had too many drinks, you were doing some embarrassing things and looked awful so I escorted you back to your room."

Brooke looked up at me with a guilty expression. "You seriously helped me?"

"Yes I did." The words came out rough and pointed. An uncomfortable silence arose between us. I didn't know what else to say really. I was about to get up and leave, but Brooke spoke up before I could.

"I'm sorry," she uttered.

"For what?" I questioned as calmly as I could.

"For saying all that shit about you obviously. I-I shouldn't have done that, I should've talked to you one on one and not have had you overhear me yelling at Stella." She apologized fully.

"Brooke what you said hurt me badly, do you know what it's like to have someone you consider a friend say that they only feel sorry for you and secretly resent you, did you not care how that would make me feel?!" My voiced raised at the end as I got heated, and Brooke visibly flinched. I waited for a response, but I never got one as Brooke kept looking down. I found myself growing angrier at her continued silence.

Why isn't she saying anything?

Why does she not care?

Amidst my inner questioning, I noticed something. Brooke wasn't just looking down out of guilt.

She was crying.

I felt the anger drain out of me as I saw Brooke remove her glasses and have tears go streaming down her face. I had never seen Brooke cry before, she always seemed so apathetic and strong, to see her like this was… depressing.

"I'm sorry Kate, I really fucking am. I just, god… I don't know how else to tell you that." Brooke choked out, wiping her face with the sleeves of her hoodie. It was then that I realized that she did care, she wouldn't be crying otherwise. I felt so selfish, I just ignored Brooke when she said she could explain what she did and assumed she never wanted to see me again, but here she was sobbing out an apology to me.

"Did you mean it?" I inquired in a soft tone.

"W-What?" She stammered with confusion.

"Those things you said about me in Stella's room, did you mean them." I repeated.

Brooke paused for a moment and let out a shaky breath. "Sort of," she began, "Kate you do make my life more difficult, with how I have to defend myself against people to hang out with you, and how sometimes I can't even understand your unbridled kindness, a-and thinking about you makes me all kinds of annoyed and confused."

"Oh." I commented dully. A million thoughts running through my brain.

"But just because you make my life difficult… doesn't make it worse."

"What?" Now it was my turn to be confused.

"I think that despite making my life more complicated, you made it… better." I make her life better? "Like I dunno, I feel less upset and depressed around you, you just kind of let me be myself I guess, I'm not good with words…"

I took a moment to process that, before figuring out something to say. "Brooke if I made your life better why did you say those horrible things about me?"

Brooke shifted uncomfortably as she coughed to clear her throat. "I'm a logical person, I don't process emotions well, and to be honest I was… scared."

"You were scared?" I asked incredulously.

"Yeah. All my life people hated my snarky and candid attitude. Kids at school, my parents, even Stella sometimes. It sucks to have people saying that I'd have more friends if I just acted different, you know, change my entire personality and I'll have more friends. Being told that no one likes who you really are is the fucking worst."

"So, when you come along acting so nice and saying you didn't mind my sarcastic jokes or my blunt honesty, I was afraid you were only being nice to me because that's what good Christian girls do, and that in actuality you couldn't stand me. That's why I cried, what you said about a friend secretly resenting you, it hit close to home."

"And when Stella suggested I liked spending time with you, which I did, I dunno it just all hit me. I was embarrassed, angry, scared, happy. So I just freaked out. I guess I thought things would be better if I convinced myself that I didn't like you, and well… look where that's gotten me, drunk and humiliated at a party."

After her long speech, Brooke just buried her face in her hands and waited for me to say something. It was a lot to take in honestly. But it did explain her actions. I had debated on whether or not to forgive Brooke, and now I think I knew.

"I think I understand what you're saying Brooke, and I forgive you." I told her, smiling slightly.

"What, seriously, you forgive me after all that shit I just said?" Brooke questioned me in disbelief.

"Yes, that's what friends do." I explained nicely.

Brooke still seemed uncertain. "So, stupid question, do you, you know… actually like me and aren't pretending to like me because of your religion?"

"Of course I like you Brooke, I try to be nice to everyone, but I'm not pretending to like you, trust me." This elicited a smile from my renewed friend, who slumped down on to her bed.

"Thanks." She said breathlessly. As Brooke lay there I yawned loudly, staying up late was starting to take its toll.

"Did you seriously sit here this whole time, waiting for me to wake up?" Brooke inquired.

"Um yeah." I laughed awkwardly.

"Thanks again, god getting out all that emotional turmoil just sucks."

"Well if we didn't get it all out, we probably wouldn't have made up, and that would really suck." Brooke let out a short chuckle, before rolling over to face me.

"Look I really hate to ask this, because I'm a selfish scumbag, but I still don't feel good, and well, I was wondering if you'd want to stay the night with me, but I realize I don't have a couch for you to sleep on and…" Brooke trailed off and failed at trying to hide a blush.

"It's fine Brooke, I don't want anything bad happen to you, so I can share the bed with you, if that's alright." I stated, hiding my excitement to do so.

"Um I don't think I have the energy to change so… sorry." She admitted.

"Well if you aren't, then neither will I." Brooke smiled and rolled back over to make room for me on the small twin bed. I nervously got up and scooted in to lie down next to the short girl. This time it looked like I was going to be the big spoon. I pulled Brooke close to me with no resistance from her. She still reeked a bit of alcohol and whatever type of deodorant she used, but it was oddly comforting, it was Brooke. I nestled my head into the crook of her neck and sighed in contentment.

Maybe I was taking advantage of the situation. Maybe considering how I felt about Brooke earlier today, this was somehow wrong.

No.

I wasn't going to question it, this was happening and this was fine. I felt my consciousness slipping and I draped my arms over my sleepy friend. I slowly drifted into slumber as a singular thought resonated in my head.

I like Brooke.