Tryphosa stared at the sight before her, ice spreading through her belly, making her nauseous. No, this couldn't be real, it just couldn't. She had to be dreaming, or was simply seeing things. But no, there was Deuce and Cleo sharing a soft kiss before the Egyptian princess pulled away and started to make her way to her class. Tryphosa's heart ached and she stepped back into the classroom she had just left.

"What's wrong?" Skyla walked up to her friend, all the while the muse's head was spinning with the fact that.. That Cleo and Deuce were back together. She knew there was no denying what she saw out in the hallway; a tender kiss and a loving goodbye from both of them. So, had Deuce lied to her? They hadn't broken up, he had lied to her, tricked her! Tryphosa felt the dread being replaced with fury as she rounded on Skyla, tears pricking her eyes. "Whoa, what's wrong?"

"Deuce lied to me. He lied! He's still with Cleo, he never left her, he just wanted me for his.. His side ghoul!" Tryphosa spat, her words laced with acid. Skyla flinched back upon seeing the blazing fire in the muse's eyes, then noticed many of the monsters in the room were staring, even Spectra was shifting closer, an eager sparkle in her eyes.

"Let's go someplace else to talk." Skyla lead her furious friend from the room, dragging her into the bathroom. When she turned back to Tryphosa, she found the ghoul silently weeping into her hands, her body trembling. Tryphosa leaned against the wall and slid down, resting her forehead on her knees as she tried to calm herself, to keep her emotions in check. Pity stirred in Skyla's heart before slowly pulling her into a hug, stroking her back to try and comfort her. "It's alright, he's not worth it. He's scum, Phosa, to put you through this for his own sick amusement."

"I don't know what to do.. Skyla, he kissed me, he promised me.." The muse's voice broke before she burst into tears again. Skyla comforted her before handing her friend a tissue. "I'm okay, I'll be fine now. We can't be late for class."

Tryphosa nodded and dabbed away at her wet cheeks, trying her best not to once again burst into tears like an idiot. She wouldn't let a boy bring her down, even though she did pledge her heart to him in the most soul bearing way. But she knew that if she gave in, he would win that sick little game of his. Because that's what popular boys like Deuce did, they played with your heart until they got bored. Tryphosa stood, brushing off the skirt of her dress and taking some more calming breaths.

As she strode from the bathroom, she could have sworn she heard purring and someone giggle.

..

The rest of the day went by slowly, as if Tryphosa was walking through a fog, her mind never seeming to be fully focused. Howleen and Skyla tried their best to bring her out of her stupor, but the light seemed to have dimmed in those once bright eyes. The two ghouls exchanged glances as they watched their friend shuffle through the line at lunch, barely flinching when the lunch ladies put something on her tray that definitely shouldn't have been edible.

"Tryphosa, you're walking around like a total zombie!" Howleen blurted out, then flinched as the zombie standing beside her gave her a glare. "Er.. No offense."

"Ghouls, I'm fine. I'm not going to let it get to me." Tryphosa gave them a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. She knew she had to get a grip, to take a step back from this drama. There was more to life than boys, besides, she was a Muse! She could not allow this to drag her down, allow it to make her weak. "How about this weekend, we go to that fancy art gallery downtown. My aunt Calliope has been invited to their newest exhibit and she said I could bring some friends."

"Really? I'm gonna have to ask my sister to help us out!" Howleen beamed, the condition of her friend completely escaping her as she suddenly thought of the glamorous monsters they would be meeting. Skyla gave her best ghoulfriend a look, but remained silent.

Tryphosa tuned out Howleen's relentless chatter as they made their way towards their usual table. The young muse glanced around the lunch room until her eyes landed on Deuce, his arm wrapped around Cleo's waist. Her heart clenched painfully and she forced back the tears that welled up in her eyes. She was about to turn away until Deuce's head swerved in her direction, as if sensing her gaze. Their eyes met, his hidden behind those damned sunglasses. Tryphosa slowly shook her head at him, hurt clear in her eyes, before she walked off to join her friends at their table. She had no doubt on the inside he was laughing at her, making her out to be a fool and a freak. That was it, she was done with Deuce Gorgon.

I am so sorry everyone! Life just kind of took me in a whirlwind and I lost track of time until I realized it was over a year since I last updated! Well, I assure you I am working hard on finishing this story. I'm not fully done, we have some ways to go, but we're around halfway through, I believe. I didn't plan this fanfiction out the best. And then I am going to work on a Twilight fanfiction. I am not much of a fan anymore, but this idea has plagued me for years, so I am simply gonna write it and get it all out. Anywho, I'll be back with the next chapter as soon as I can. Thank you so much for your patience and support! - Lady Anput