Hi everybody!

I'm back with yet another update! And a nice long chapter too!

YES! *Cheers* Well, here is Chapter Twelve: Chasing Gary!

So excited!

Please Read, Review, and Enjoy!

Knock knock.

Gary was awake as soon as he heard the knocking. He looked down at Lex, who was still sleeping soundly. He sighed quietly, studying her peaceful sleeping position. He slowly and cautiously slipped from her bed, standing up. He walked over to the door when his foot felt something that felt like paper.

He looked down and picked it up, finding an envelope. His eyebrow raised curiously, and he picked it up, walking over to his desk and turning on the lamp, making sure it was dim enough it wouldn't wake Lex up.

He opened it slowly, a paper falling out, along with some pictures. He unfolded the letter and studied it before skimming the writing.

Hello Smith.

I believe your girlfriend has been hiding information of a certain scandal. Now before you go dismissing my letter, which I wrote out of the thought that it was unfair for you to suffer later on, I have proof.

Look at these pictures.

I believe your lovely lady is having an affair with the boxing champion of Bullworth, famously handsome, redheaded Prep Bif Taylor. I'm sorry to be the one to break the news to you. May you cope in any way you know. Preps want this scandalous relationship between Bif Taylor and Lexy Wilton to end, as she is obviously playing him for money.

Hopefully you can show her the error of her ways.

Sincerely,

Tad Spencer

Gary frowned, tossing the letter down and looking at the pictures. They were of them on the pier, talking, and...

Gary scowled, throwing the pictures down on the desk. He turned and looked at Lex's sleeping form, peacefully unaware of his newfound knowledge of her relationship with Bif Taylor.

We haven't been dating for more than a week and she goes and does this shit. I should have known she was just going to betray me. I promised myself I wouldn't grow close to her, and I didn't listen to myself...

Gary sighed deeply, rubbing his face a little. He ran a hand through his hair. Something felt wrong with him. He felt like he couldn't breathe, and his stomach was doing flip-flops. His shoulders felt oddly heavy, and he wanted to do nothing but sleep for a million years.

Why don't you pay her back by just disappearing for a while? Leave her a note, saying you hate her, you never want to see her again, and that you were informed of her screwing around with Bif. Shatter her insides with guilt, and just disappear without a trace. Let her be reminded everyday she doesn't see you that it's her fault.

Gary smirked wickedly, not hearing the small part of him begging that he just ask her if she was cheating. Break her like she broke you.

Gary blinked slightly. Was that why he felt terrible? She broke his heart?... He shook his head, muttering "She didn't break me. I can't be broken anymore than I already am." He pulled out a piece of paper quickly, grabbing a pen. He stared at the paper, a small voice in his head that reminded him of Petey telling him this was a bad idea, and he should just be open and ask her.

But then their was the other voice, vicious and cold and much like his father, saying that she'd just lie to him again.

You have to be open in a relationship, Gary. Honesty is one of the most important things in a relationship.

Don't be such a moron. How are you supposed to be honest if she isn't?

He groaned in frustration. He was torn between listening to the little sliver of him saying he should just ask, and the part of him that was saying he should just crush her emotions like an annoying bug.

Then he heard Jimmy's voice. Have you considered the fact that even after you pushed her away last time, she still went back to you? What makes you think this time would be different? If someone is caring, or stupid, enough to return to a whiny, psychotic bitch like you, then I say you should give her a chance to tell her side of the story, before believing a Prep like Tad.

Gary grinded his teeth. Jimmy's voice was annoying no matter where he was, and the fact that it sounded like something Jimmy would say, and he wouldn't admit it out loud, but the Jimmy-boy voice had a point.

Gary sighed, staring down at the blank paper. He closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. And all he could see were the pictures. Bif and Lex, standing by the pier, holding each other. His eyes shot open, and he scowled angrily.

And he wrote down everything.

I yawned and stretched slightly, sitting up and rubbing my eyes. I looked over to the desk, expecting Gary to be writing something in his notebook, planning to take over the school or something along the lines of that.

But he wasn't.

I looked around the room, not seeing the slightest bit of evidence of where he might be. I stood up and looked around a little. I slowly got dressed, still peering around the room. Did he leave for class without me?

I decided that was it, and I was just freaking out over nothing. But something deep in the pit of my stomach didn't feel right at all. I walked over to my bedside, planning to take my sketchbook with me today, but then something peeked out of the page. I frowned and opened it, finding an envelope on the page of Bif at the pier with me.

Please no...

I sat down and opened the envelope, dumping the items on my lap. They were pictures. And two letters fell out. One was expensive parchment, while the other was just a folded piece of paper.

I read the parchment first, my face falling. What... Tad.. That deceiving little bitch! I dropped the letter quickly, as if it was diseased. I picked up the folded piece of paper, looking at the handwriting. It was neat, and I easily recognized the handwriting. It had to be Gary's.

Well well, friend,

I must admit you had me fooled that you actually cared, and might be worth keeping around. But our little friend Tad, as you've probably already read, sent me the letter with all those photos in it.

And all I could think was who taught you how to be such a player? Jimmy? Your mother? You know, before someone blew her brains out the side of her head?

So here I am, feeling like a moron for letting you play me like a violin. You played beautifully, but I believe the song should have ended a long time ago. What was I thinking, giving someone like you another chance?

So how do you feel now, knowing I found out about your little date behind my back? I bet you feel like shit. You should too, considering you really are a piece of shit. You're worse of a broad then Lola, because she at least is open about it. But you go behind my back to mess around with a brainless Prep.

It's too bad too, as I was really starting to tolerate you, too. Shame. Well, guess that means you get to continue dating that mindless punching machine with money. Such a great choice in a man, truly.

I bet you're tearing up now, about to ball your eyes out like last time. It's pathetic, really. You won't get any sympathy from me, so don't ask for it. Maybe you can get your boyfriend Bif to do that. Or your slut Jimmy. Or maybe even your little bitch Femme boy. Or whoever else you have kissed up to...

And I hope you know you can't just come crawling back, begging for forgiveness. I've given you a chance already, which is more than I can say for anyone else. But I'm not giving you another one.

Not that you can really crawl back. I don't need scum like you any closer to me than twenty feet. I'll NOT be seeing you around! Bye!

-Gary

I really couldn't breathe right now. My emotions were reeling, and I couldn't function any of my limbs. I just stared down at the letter. He'd hit everything. He called me a broad, he called my mother a broad, he mentioned her death... He had said every single thing he could think of to hurt me.

And then he just ended the letter, like it was easy to write. Was it easy for him to write? I slowly folded the letter back up, placing it back in the envelope along with the pictures. I placed the note back in my sketchbook, setting it back on the desk.

And I picked up Tad's letter. This letter right here, along with the pictures... This letter ruined everything I'd worked so hard to achieve. Gary's trust, his friendship... His feelings... And all it took was a letter and some pictures.

I crumpled the letter up, throwing it in the trash. I sighed, and it felt like every single problem in the world was being rested on my shoulders again. I stood up, blinking once. I could see the letter in my mind, a fresh wound that I knew would scar me.

And oddly, I didn't hurt.

I didn't feel anything. I felt like someone had numbed my whole body, even my mind. I couldn't even cry. It felt wrong, not to be crying. But I just couldn't cry. Even if I would have tried to, I knew I wouldn't be able to.

I turned and walked down the stairs and out of the dorm. I walked past everyone, alone while people stood and looked at me in groups. I wondered if I looked weird, or different without Gary next to me.

I blinked again, wiping my mind of Gary. I continued to almost wander aimlessly, hoping to find my class.

"Hey Lex!"

I turned and faced Jimmy and Pete, who were jogging over. Jimmy grinned playfully and looked around, asking "Where's that dumbass dog of yours?" I shrugged, muttering quietly "I don't know." Jimmy's smiled faded, and Petey was looking at me with concern.

"Are you okay, Lex? You don't look good." Petey asked, frowning slightly.

I stared at the two for a minute, wondering if I should tell them about Gary. I closed my eyes, shaking my head. They won't be able to do anything about it. I managed to pull my lips into a smile that I was sure didn't meet my eyes, saying "I'm fine, just feeling a little sick."

The two nodded, but I knew they probably saw right through my lie. Jimmy said while rubbing the back of his neck "Well, see you later! Come on Petey." He grabbed the smaller boy's arm and dragged him along, leaving me standing there alone. I turned and looked around me, not really for any reason. I knew Gary wasn't going to be there.

I sighed and walked silently to class, wishing I knew where Gary went.

I sat down in the cafeteria, staring at my food. It was smelly and gross, and obviously not edible. Not that I really felt like eating. I poked at it with a fork, watching it bubble and jiggle. Jimmy and Petey sat next to me, watching me quietly. None of us dared break the silence, but I could tell it was awkward.

Zoe sat down across from me and frowned, asking "Alright, spill. What is wrong with you?"

I shrugged, muttering "Nothing."

She groaned and said loudly "We all know that's bullshit, even you! What's bugging you?!" I looked up at her furious brown eyes, waiting for the answer. Come on Lex. You can't keep yourself bottled up.

I sighed deeply and said "Gary's pissed. He left me a letter, telling me how much he hated me. And now he's not even in school. He's off hiding out somewhere."

"WHAT?!" The three said in surprise. Jimmy looked more angry than shocked though. I nodded, looking down at my food again. "Yeah. I'll show you the letter, if you want."

They nodded quickly, and we went back to my room.

"I still don't believe this." Zoe said as she read over the letter once again. She continued "I mean, I knew Gary was an asshole and paranoid, but I didn't think he was this bad..." Zoey was pacing back and forth, looking at the letter.

Jimmy stopped her and read over it, saying "That little bitch..." Zoe nodded and I just sat on the bed. Petey hadn't looked at the letter yet. He'd been sitting next to me and asking every few minutes "Are you okay?"

I responded with the same shrug each time. He seemed really sad, or upset. I wrapped an arm around his shoulder, asking "Are you?"

He blinked and looked at me in slight surprise. He said quietly "I'm just a little worried about Gary."

This time it was my turn to be surprised. He's worried about Gary?! I didn't really see why he would worry; Gary's good at handling himself, and if he can't talk himself out of a problem, I've sure he could fight his way out of it.

And I realized that even though Gary has constantly mortified Petey in any way possible, Pete never really gave up on Gary. He was Gary's only true friend, even if Gary denied all of it. But it was true. If Gary had absolutely no possible way to do it himself, he'd go to Petey for help.

Pete had suffered so much from Gary's malicious teasing, but he stayed with Gary because Gary was his friend.

"I'm sure Gary's fine, Petey." I said softly, smiling comfortingly. I forgot that I'm not the only one who's upset or cares about Gary.

Petey shook his head, replying "Maybe, but I'm not so sure... May I see the letter?" Zoe blinked a few times and nodded, handing it to Pete. The boy in the pink shirt read over it quietly, his face very blank as his eyes moved from left to right slowly.

He read over it a few times, and he sighed a little. He looked up at me, saying "Do you think he hates you?"

I bit my lip softly, wondering why he would ask that. I nodded, replying "Isn't it obvious he hates me now?"

Pete looked back down at the writing, and he shook his head. "I've known Gary since fourth grade. He's rude, sarcastic, cynical, paranoid, narcissistic, and a straight up asshole. But there is the side of him that just wants people to like him for him. The side that gets lonely."

Lonely? I frowned a little. Gary never really acted like he was lonely, or looking for acceptance. But then again, I didn't know very much about him. Yet, I could see what Pete meant.

"Gary doesn't hate you. No, what this letter means for Gary is that he's hurting. He's aching and upset. He's not spiteful of you. In fact, it's the opposite. He really cares and he's hurt that you went behind his back." Pete said quietly, handing me the letter.

I looked down at it again, wondering if Petey was right. Gary was downright confusing, but Kowalski seemed to know him like the back of his hand. I had to wonder how many times Pete was shoved away.

I suddenly felt a small surge of energy flow through me, in my veins, in my bones. I felt renewed. I stood up and said with determination "I have to find him and set this right. Any ideas where he likes to hide out?"

Jimmy shrugged, replying "He used to hide away in the Boy's dorm in his room... But you can see he isn't here with us." I nodded, and Pete added "Gary likes to stay places that are either dark or nobody goes there, especially places with both traits."

I pursed my lips. There are so many places he could be hiding... I shrugged and sighed, feeling slightly deflated. I really had no idea where he could be... It suddenly struck me that this was Tad's fault.

You little bitch, I'm coming for you.

I knocked loudly on the Harrington House door, frowning. I hoped Tad had some information on Gary's whereabouts, but if he didn't, I still got to scream at him. I believe the Prep named Parker opened the door, asking "What do you want?"

"Tad. Go fetch him please."

The boy looked suspicious, but he still left and returned a few minutes later with Tad. Tad stepped up to the door and smiled widely, saying "Well, I must say I'm surprised that you asked for me instead of Taylor."

My frown grew as I said harshly "Cut the shit, Tad. I know about your letter to Gary, and the pictures of me on the pier talking to Bif."

"Oh good, I was hoping you'd see the pictures I took of your date with Bif."

I was scowling now, due to every word that comes out of Tad Spencer's mouth irritated me to no end. I said darkly "That wasn't a date, and you know it. But I didn't come here just to look at your smug ass face and yell cusses at it. I need to know if you have any knowledge on where Gary went. He disappeared, thanks to you."

Tad smirked and replied "Why would I tell such a rude lady anything if I did know where Mr. Smith was?"

I truly wanted to just jump on him and pound his face in. I said slowly, grinding every word out "Forgive me. Would you please tell me Gary's whereabouts?"

Tad grinned and said "That's much better. But I am sorry, I have no clue where Gary went."

I scowled and clenched my fist, saying "You little bastard!"

He nodded, smiling wider than the Cheshire Cat. "I know I am." And he slipped back inside, closing the door behind him. Fuck that little bitch... I scowled and looked around, before sighing. There's gotta be a hint to where he went...

I turned and jogged around, keeping an eye out. I sighed in frustration. I wandered aimlessly, looking for some hint. I should have guessed this was going to be challenging. I ran back to where Jimmy, Petey, and Zoe, finding them still standing around.

I said with slight desperation "I'm going to need your help it I want to find Gary."

Jimmy scowled, asking "Why should we even look for him?"

I sighed, replying "Because he needs somebody to care enough to look for him." I looked at Jimmy with pleading eyes. "Please Jimmy."

He stared at me for a few minutes before sighing, giving in. "Fine. But I'm doing this for you and Petey, not Gary."

I smiled and said "Thanks Jimmy. Alright who thinks they might have an idea to where he went, or knows somebody who knows where he went?" We stood there considering all our options before Pete said "We should check with the Nerds. They might have some information of Gary."

I nodded, saying "Alright, let's start there." Zoe nodded and Jimmy muttered "Can't believe I'm doing this..." We all jogged towards the library, entering and expecting to see the nice neat library.

But my mouth dropped as I looked at the tables flipped, papers scattered, books thrown to the floor, and all the Nerds huddled in a corner, looking completely awestruck by the scene. I looked over to the wall, and the perpetrator wrote in large green letters a message.

You'll never catch me, MORONS!

"Gary." We all muttered while looking around. Pete said "Well, we at least know he's been here." I nodded and we walked over to the group of Nerds. Jimmy asked loudly "Alright, which one of you eggheads knows where Gary was headed after this incident?"

Bucky replied timidly "I-I think he said was going to teach the Bullies the definition of pain."

Jimmy nodded and turned back around, saying "Let's get going, who knows what damage that little bitch has caused."

We walked slowly around the people lying on the ground, looking at the parking lot. It looked like a battlefield after one team was victorious. It was scattered with people lying and moaning, or sitting and looking at bruises.

Russell was the only one standing, and he was looking around, scowling while shaking his head. We walked over to him, Jimmy asking "What the hell happened?..."

Russell said loudly "Gary happened. Russell was coming back from lunch when Russell saw Gary run away, laughing."

I sighed, looking around. I knew it was Gary who did this, but it was still shocking to see someone take on a whole clique by himself. I asked quickly "Do you have any idea where he was headed?"

Russell shrugged, replying "Gary ran to the shop."

I looked at Petey, Zoe, and Jimmy. "Greasers." We all said simultaneously. I added "Thanks Russell!" He nodded and we turned and ran to the shop quickly, hoping Gary was still there. We ran in and looked around at the Greasers, who looked absolutely devastated.

Nope, Gary's already passed through.

Johnny was fuming, and he looked at us, still scowling. He said loudly "Jimmy! You gotta find Gary so we can destroy him!"

I blinked in surprise at Johnny. He's definitely pissed. I looked at the floor, and realized why. In green spray paint Gary had written 'Good luck chasing me on your lousy bikes!' And scattered around the sign was bike parts, which I assumed were what was left of the Greaser's bikes. I turned and asked "Do you know where Gary went?"

Johnny shook his head, but Peanut spoke up "I think he was headed towards the football field, doll face."

I nodded, saying to Pete, Jimmy, and Zoe "He's going to mess with the Jocks. Come on!" They nodded and we left the shop, hurrying to the football field. Zoe asked with an eyebrow raised "So, doll face?"

I rolled my eyes, replying "I'll tell you about that later." She laughed and we all made our way out to the football field. I looked at the Jocks, who were crowded around something. I dashed over, slightly worried that they had caught Gary.

But it definitely wasn't Gary.

No, the person lying on the ground, writhing in pain had burn marks on his body. I blinked in surprise when the person looked at me, saying "I bet it was this psychotic bitch, with her boyfriend!"

I jumped away as one of the jocks tried grabbing me, replying in shock "I didn't do this! Gary did!"

A taller one with dark skin said "Exactly, and everyone knows you two are together. Not to mention your little attack on Ted not long ago."

I frowned, and the Jock continued "So fess up and we might go easy on you."

Jimmy stepped up, saying "Shut the fuck up, Damon, or I'll kick your asses again, just like last year. She didn't do this. We just need to know where Gary was heading."

Damon took a step back, replying "Woah woah woah, calm down Jimmy. We saw Gary running back towards the school. We couldn't chase him though. We had to check on Tad."

Jimmy nodded and turned back to me, saying "Where do you think he went?"

I pondered it for a moment before glancing at Petey. He looked at me and nodded. I turned and looked at Jimmy and Zoe, answering "He's visited every clique but one. He's after the Preps."

Zoe nodded and asked "what are we standing around here, doing nothing for? We gotta catch Gary!"

Jimmy pounded on the door, yelling "Hey! Let us in!"

We stood there a few more minutes before Parker opened the door, peeking out with a very upset look. "Hello Jimmy. What is it you want?"

Zoe said quickly "Gary. Has he been here?"

Parker frowned deeply, opening the door wider. The inside of the house seemed nice, unlike the library did. I pursed my lips as Petey said "I don't get it, I was sure..." I blinked and realized who Gary would have went for.

"Where's Bif?"

Parker replied "Upstairs. He's fine though, besides his room being slightly trashed. No, the one who got the worst of the hit was-"

I beat him to it "Tad."

Parker just nodded. Pete asked "Where is Tad and his room?"

Parker said quietly "Let me lead you there." We nodded and our group of four and Parker walked along upstairs, passing many doors. I noticed a door cracked open slightly, and Derby was talking to Bif. I shrugged and returned my attention to the door we stopped at.

"Tad should be inside."

I nodded and we opened the door, and I had to gasp. There was litter everywhere, something smoking from broken bottle, and spray paint on the wall. Tad was sitting on his bed, looking pissed.

I walked over and he looked up, scowling. "Did you send Gary to do this?!" He asked loudly. I shook my head, replying "Gary does what Gary wants. Nobody could tell him what to do."

Tad shook his head, saying "I don't get why he did this."

I sighed and replied "He was angry. Whether you caused it or I did, he'd go after whoever just to make him feel better."

Tad looked down at the dirty floor, asking sharply "Why are you here?"

"We're after Gary." Jimmy said before I could answer. Tad looked up at us, his eyes studying every single one of us before they landed on me. He stood up and reached into a pocket, pulling out a letter. He handed it to me, saying "If you want to find him, follow the letter's instructions."

My eyebrow raised, but I looked down at the letter, unfolding it to see Gary's handwriting again.

Ah Tad, I see you found my letter.

That's great.

As I know you must have seen your room, I can't help but think about how angry you are. Tell me, do you feel that really warm burn in your stomach, that raging fire burning in your eyes? Too bad I'm not present to see it, I would love to watch you burn with anger, hate, and rage.

You must be confused too, as you only sent a letter to 'help' me learn of my ex-girlfriend's relationship. I only messed around with Bif's things though, where I destroyed everything you owned.

And the answer is quite simple. I wanted you to feel the rage. Now you know how I felt when you sent me my letter.

Isn't it great?

But, I know that you would like to have revenge on me, just like everyone else I've terrorized today. But since you're the only one with a personal reason to, I'll give you a hint to find me. If you can figure this hint out, we'll meet again. But you must figure it out before the clock strikes six.

I'll make it more simple than normal.

To find me before I become a legend, meet me where the last year ended.

-Gary

I frowned. I said quietly "To find me before I become a legend, meet me where last year ended... Guys, what does that mean?" I turned and looked at the boys and Zoe. Zoe shrugged, looking at Petey. "What about you, Pete? What do you make of it?" Zoe asked.

Pete's eyebrows furrowed. He seemed to be thinking hard, trying to figure out where Gary went. He looked at Jimmy, who spoke up "Isn't it obvious?"

We all shook our heads, feeling slightly idiotic that Jimmy was the one to figure the hint out. Jimmy said "He's up in the bell tower. That's where last year ended for him."

I blinked in surprise, the pieces falling into place. Wait, before I become a legend... I frowned. What does being a legend have to do with the bell tower... I swore my heart stopped beating for a few seconds. He's not... He can't... I turned and asked quickly "What time is it?!"

Tad responded "It's 5:45." I shook my head and said "There's no time, I gotta go!" They all stared at me in surprise as I busted out the door and sprinted out of the Harrington House. I ran as fast as I could towards the bell tower. There was no time. I had to get there before six.

I promise I'm coming for you, Gary.

I dashed through the school into the door that led up the bell tower. I sailed up the steps as fast as I could, looking up. It was such a long staircase. But I wouldn't give up. I couldn't give up.

Gary looked down at his watch. Three minutes to six. He sighed a little. He stared out at the town of Bullworth, the sun setting. It was as beautiful as last time he stood up here at night, watching the sun set, planning and plotting. But that was last year.

He looked out over the horizon, all around. He could see for miles. He remembered saying he'd own all of it someday, ruling over everyone. He'd have made everything better for everyone.

But that was last year.

It was different now, looking over everything. He couldn't imagine it anymore, like he used to. He couldn't focus on any of it. He found it odd that nothing had changed since last year. But yet everything had changed. Everyone was the same, but they were different too.

And it was her fault.

She changed everything, everyone. Even him. He couldn't stop her from doing it either. She was like a drug. She was so addicting, but she changed you, and in the end, destroys you. And you can't do a damn thing about it.

He sighed, looking down at his watch. Sixty seconds. It was funny, in a way. She almost had him addicted, but he slipped away just in time. But just like a drug, he felt the effects of her, and still wanted more. But he couldn't let himself do that.

Fifty seconds.

She'd break him more than anything else in his life. He wouldn't be able to go on without her. He'd become a mindless idiot, unable to live his life without her in it. He was Gary Smith; that wasn't how he wanted to become.

Forty seconds.

He wanted to be remembered forever for being one of the most intelligent leaders of an empire. But she'd already started pulling him from his dream. She was corrupting his mind like a virus on the computer.

Thirty seconds.

He realized that he no longer could fulfill that dream. He'd began to forget his plots, plans, ideas, everything he wanted to do. And she slipped in, like water through a leaky roof. And no matter how much he tried to patch the roof, it always leaked.

Twenty seconds.

He knew he wasn't going to be remembered for what he wanted to be remembered for, but he was going down in history. He'd live on, in the stories of him, and what happened to him. She wasn't going to change that.

Ten seconds.

Gary sighed, stepping a little closer to the edge. He looked down. It was a long, far fall. Everything seemed to fade out, all the sounds, the light. He felt like he was standing in a dark room, the only thing he felt was the floor under him. He swore he heard muffled screams, but it sounded more like a whisper from miles away.

Three...

He could feel the edge of the tower below his feet.

Two...

He leaned a little forward, the wind seeming to push him forward.

One...

He closed his eyes, and pushed himself forward.

And then something wrapped around his waist, yanking him back harshly. It was like being ripped out of a dream, waking up abruptly. His heart was racing, his chest pounding hard. And he could hear a strange sound in his ears.

They were sobs. Someone was crying.

His eyes opened, and everything was black, slowly fading in with a blur. Color returned to the image, but it was still blurry. Why is it so blurry? He blinked a few times, and his eyes cleared a little bit, but he felt it on his cheeks.

I'm crying...

He realized something was wrapped around him tighter than anything had ever wrapped around him before. It made him feel strange inside. Warm. Like someone had missed him, or cared about him.

It was a nice feeling.

A voice sobbed out "Gary... Don't you ever do that... Again... Never ever..."

He frowned, looking down. A girl with long brown hair was crying on his shoulder, gripping his sweater vest so tightly that her knuckles were white. And then she looked up.

Big amber eyes stared into his brown ones, watery with tears. Her cheeks were stained from her tears running down her face. Her long, dark eyelashes were wet, little droplets caught in them.

"Lex?" He asked quietly. He felt as though he was there, but he wasn't. She wasn't here, but she was. It felt like maybe he was dreaming, and this had never happened, and he was lying on the ground, broken and lifeless.

Is this what dying feels like?

And she just nodded, biting down on her lower lip. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him, saying with soft sobs "What were you thinking?.. If you had died before I got here... I would have killed myself..."

Gary blinked. This was all too real. I almost died. She found me, and saved me... He slowly wrapped his arms around her, his mind numbed beyond belief. He didn't know what happened either. And he tightened his arms around her, running his hands through her long, soft waves of brown hair.

He answered quietly "I don't think I was thinking..."

She pulled away and looked up at him, wiping her tears. And she lifted her hand and swung it hard towards his face, the hit stinging on his cheek.

She slapped me!

He looked at her, completely confused. She yelled "How dare you do this to me! You go off, leaving me broken-hearted, and then I come to find you trying to kill yourself! And when I ask why, you can't even give a good answer?!"

He frowned, unsure of what to tell her. He knew she was right. He should have a better answer...

He reached out, pulling her into an embrace. He said softly "You left me broken-hearted when you went off with Bif."

She looked up, saying "I didn't though. I met with him to tell him to give up because I lo-like you."

Was she going to say love?

He pulled away, looking at her. "Were you going to say you... Love me?"

She stared at him, not saying anything, but her eyes answered. She was going to. She might love him.

He wrapped his arms back around her, knowing that it was already too late for him. She had him addicted to her. She was his drug.

She wrapped her hands around him too, saying "Promise you'll never do that ever again... Please."

He nodded quickly, answering "Never again."

She smiled weakly, looking up at him. She slowly leaned in, her pink lips just barely touching his. He pressed down, kissing her back. Her lips tasted sweet, like strawberries and honey. She ran her hands through his hair, holding him close.

She pulled away, looking up at him. He knew he wasn't going to be able to leave her now. She'd stolen his heart without him noticing. Then again, he didn't know he even had one after all the bad things that had happened to him.

She was all he had anymore.

"Let's get out of here, Gary." She said softly, grabbing his hand, holding it tightly. Like she was afraid he was going to slip away. He decided that it was okay that she held on tightly. Because as long as she held on, he knew she was still with him.

He walked with her, and he could feel something in his pocket. He shoved his hand in, feeling around. His hands wrapped around something, and he pulled it out, looking at it discreetly.

It was his pill bottle, but it was empty.

He remembered he'd taken all of it twenty minutes before walking up to the bell tower. He'd drugged himself senseless. And he'd almost killed himself. He dropped the bottle back in his pocket, looking back to Lex, who was standing right beside him.

He was glad she'd found him.

He watched how she moved. She seemed to have changed a little. She seemed much more innocent, not at all like the girl who would smirk and make cynical comments about things he said.

But something didn't make sense. He hadn't told anyone where to find him except Tad, who probably didn't know what he meant. So how did she know where to find him? He asked with curiosity "How'd you find me?"

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. And then, her lips pulled into a small grin. She answered "You're lousy at covering up your tracks."

He laughed, looking at her. She may have changed a little, but she was still Lex. He was happy she was too. That was the Lex he'd come to know, and care about. And he wouldn't want her to change for anyone.

He walked with her back out of the school, seeing Petey, Jimmy, and Zoe waiting for them. Zoe cheered while Pete smiled in relief. Jimmy stared at Gary, looking right into his soul with light brown eyes.

And Jimmy sighed a little, seeming slightly relieved. Had he worried too? Had they all worried?

Petey ran up and hugged him, saying quickly while closing his eyes "I know you're going to make fun of me and call me Femme boy but I was really worried when I figured out what you were doing and I was so afraid I'd lose you as a friend and I didn't want to because I know I'd miss your mean and sarcastic remarks so please don't do that ever again!"

Gary looked down at Pete, who was almost blubbering like a little girl. He opened his mouth to make fun of him, but closed it, shaking his head.

Not after today. After everyone's calmed down, but not when everyone is still tender from the incident.

Gary smiled and said while wrapping an arm around Pete "Slow down Petey, I can't understand a word you just said besides being your friend."

Pete jumped away and blushed a little. He's such a girl sometimes. He said quickly "Sorry I didn't mean-"

"It's fine Petey."

Pete stared at him like he just said something amazing. He blinked and smiled, asking brightly "Really?!"

Gary just sighed a little and nodded, replying "Really."

Pete grinned from ear to ear. Zoe smiled a little at him, saying "Aww Gary, we never knew you cared."

Gary shrugged, smirking a little. "I never said I did."

Jimmy laughed, saying "Come on, Gar, we all know your secret. Just admit it, you care about us."

Gary shook his head, chuckling. "I don't give a damn about you guys at all." He said in a sarcastic tone. Everyone managed to smile and laugh, and everyone seemed to calm a little, growing into a strange comfort with being around everyone else.

It was the first time Gary had really laughed and smiled around Jimmy since last year. They all sat on the steps of the school, just talking and laughing. Everyone seemed to have a little wound from the experience, but it was healing slowly, fading away like a scar. It'd always be there, but it'd hurt less as it grew older.

Gary looked around at everyone, smiling and talking. Petey was beaming with joy, which Gary hadn't seen in a long, long time. Zoe was smiling and talking to him, the long-time grudge against him she'd had gone. Lex was back to her normal self, smirking and joking. And the most surprising was Jimmy sitting looking at him, a small smile on his face. It was little, but it was the first time Jimmy had smiled around him in a whole year.

Gary sighed a little. Everything was changing, and in a way, Gary was starting to get used to change.

Chapter Twelve everyone!

Oh my, I feel so bad for taking two days to write this, but I've been so so so busy with school. Ugh wish I didn't have so much homework and things to do, but I can't really change that, so I'll just have to make with it.

Reviews and PM's are still greatly appreciated!

I kinda sad, as I know I've probably got a couple more chapters before the ending, but it's been so much fun writing this. I wouldn't change it for the world. It's been such a great experience.

What does this almost death encounter mean for Gary? Does this mean that everything is starting to look up for the group of almost kind of friends? Has this changed the status of Jimmy and Gary's relationship from enemies to almost friends? How will everyone get along after this scary experience?

Let's find out next time in Chapter Thirteen: Old and New Scars!

See you next time, friends! (^_^)/