Chapter 14

Something was different about this Monday morning. There was a tension in the air when I entered the room. And emptiness that was so apparent, it was like everyone had stopped for a moment just to check what was going on. I glimpsed up and saw a room full of confused, whispering students. I scanned the room for a place to sit, and my familiar area beside Jenny was the only place available. I stumbled over, and sat down as fast as possible, not daring to make any eye contact. I pulled out my notebook, and relaxed back into my chair, tapping the table repeatedly with my pen. Blissfully unaware of the gossip going on behind me.

"Can you be more oblivious?" I heard Jenny ask from beside me. I turned to face her, and raised an eyebrow in confusion. We hadn't spoken to each other sense our last fight, and she begins the conversation with a question that I wasn't sure if it was rhetorical.

"What?" I asked. She didn't reply. She just scoffed and turned herself back to her phone. I stared at her for a moment, completely mind fucked by her behaviour. I was about to follow her stubborn attitude when I heard a quiet whisper from a girl behind me.

'I heard he was fucking someone in this classroom, and that's why he got fired.' My mouth went dry and my pen tapping came to a halt. They had to be talking about someone else. They weren't talking about me and Eric, surely. His wife wouldn't have gone that far...would she? My mind raced and my breathing sped up. I needed to get out of here. 'She's a fucking slut, whoever she is. He was my favourite teacher and now we'll all fail.' I dropped my pen, and threw my notebook into my bag. I stood up, pushing my chair in, as it scratched loudly across the floor.

"Are you okay?" Jenny muttered, sounded concerned behind me. I turned to face her, and my throat caught. I couldn't speak. I didn't know what to say. She nodded to me like she knew what I was feeling. She understood. I turned away ready to run out of the room but I was too late.

"Sorry I'm late." A grey haired man, easily in his 50's entered the room carrying a briefcase and a scowl that reminded me of an old headmaster. "If everyone could please take their seats," he looked directly me and I shivered from head to toe, "we have a lot to discuss." I looked to Jenny and she pulled out my seat. I sat down, and ran a nervous hand through my hair. I didn't know what to do with myself, and I had no escape route. If people were already gossiping about why Eric was fired, then how long would it take them to find out I was involved. I felt Jenny grasp my hand with hers and give it a tight squeeze. I glanced at her and smiled, letting go of her hand, not wanting to make my emotions obvious. Not wanting to make it obvious that I was the slut that got Eric fired.

"As you have probably already noticed, your old professor Mr Northman has abruptly left the college and I have been asked to take his place, for the remainder of the semester." The old man told us. A number of people groaned and even more whispered. Someone, about 3 rows across from me, shot their hand into the air. "Save your questions to the end."

What could have possibly happened over night that made this happen? And why didn't Eric say anything? I am partially to blame...so shouldn't I be gone as well? I was snapped from my thoughts as the new professor continued to explain. "I do not know your previous professor, nor do I care do. I do not know why he left and neither do you. Listen to gossip and rumours as you may but the only ones that know the truth are Mr Northman and head of the college." And me, the slut.

"The only thing I am concerned about is your knowledge on History and me doing my job. That does not include answering petty questions about past teacher affairs." The entire room was silent, although I heard someone gasp. "Does anyone still have a relevant question to ask?" Not one hand moved. Glad to know the only thing people care about is sex. "Very well. Let us continue."

The next hour and a half dragged in. I stared at the clock, counting the minutes as my heart raced and sweat built on my forehead. I needed answers. And I couldn't get them from sitting in this stupid classroom. The bell rang loudly waking me up from my day dream. I practically sprinted out of the classroom, ignoring Jenny's obvious call from behind me. I turned the corner, into the next corridor, making sure I had a quiet place. The last thing I needed was people overhearing this conversation.

I lifted out my phone with shaky hands and dialled Eric's number, nervously placing the device to my ear. I waited for what seemed forever before he answered. "Hello?" His voice was husky and low. It sounded like he had either been crying or drinking. My guess was both.

I didn't know what a good opening sentence was. So I just blurted out whatever was on my mind. Everything. "Why the fuck didn't you call me to let me know you'd been fired? Didn't you think walking into the rumour filled lecture room would have affected me? Did you not think about how awkward I would feel sitting lessoning to people gossip about me? Or did you forget that I was even involved?" I said in one breath. "Are you okay?"

He made a sound that resembled a laugh, but also a cry. He sounded in pain. Oh God...what if his wife hired an assassin to beat him half to death? "I'm..." He paused. "I've been better." I winced at his comment, feeling the hurt through the landline. "And I wasn't fired. I quit." He corrected me. My eyes widened in shock and I held the phone closer to my ear to be sure I was hearing correctly.

"Why would you do that?" I asked, desperately wanting to know his reasoning. What would cause him to leave in such fashion, knowing he'd leave behind questions from his students? Questions they'd answer for themselves.

He sighed loudly, sounding exhausted. I wondered if he slept at all last night. Or if his wife called him straight after she called me. Or worse, if the school called him after she called me. "Because she was blackmailing me and I want going to spend the rest of my life under her control." He snapped the last few words. "I did that our whole fucking marriage."

I frowned, and gave him a few minutes to father his thoughts. "What exactly was she getting from the blackmailing?" Obviously she said she'd turn him in if he didn't do what she wanted. But what did she want? Other than his faithfulness...

"The one thing she wants more than anything in the world." He laughed, but it sounded harsh and frightening. He didn't sound stable at all. "A baby." I swallowed at his response. Of course. She could get the one thing that was tearing them apart from his mistake. She was trying to turn a situation where she lost into one where she won. "I wasn't going to bring a child into this fucked up shit hole with her." He swore loudly. "I may be unfaithful but I'm not a monster."

I didn't know what to say to him. I had ruined his life. I ruined his marriage and now his job. Maybe Nate was right. Ever since I came here, everything just started to get worse for everyone. "I'm sorry." I breathed, although it was hardly enough. But it was the only words I could use to sum up my emotions.

There was a long pause between us and I felt a tear roll down my right cheek. I wiped it quickly before anyone noticed, even though the corridor was empty. I sniffed loudly, and cleared my throat. I shouldn't be the one crying. I wasn't the one who got everything taken from me. "Don't be." He said. "It isn't your fault."

I wanted to slap him. How could it not be my fault? I came to his house, drunk, wet and horny. I tried to seduce him because I was lonely, despite the fact I knew about his circumstances. I chose to go to his house, and all he did was provide me with hospitality. Yet he is the one suffering. How does that happen? And how is that fair?

"Yes, it is." I heard him try to interrupt to I continued before he got the chance. "You wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for me. I'm a dirty slut and I seduced you, and took advantage of you." I whimpered. "There should be a law against that, and I should go to jail." He laughed and I wiped my eyes again, tears starting to stain my shirt.

"Last time I checked, I am the adult that willingly let you into my house, and willingly took you again my wall." The memory flickered in my mind and I bit my lip at his description of being 'taken.' "You may have participated, but I should have stopped it." He defended me, and I wanted to shake him but I knew he wouldn't listen. "You are a young girl, who is allowed to follow your desires and impulses. I am a 30 year old married man that should know how to control myself." He emphasised the last sentence, trying to remind me of how wrong the decisions we made were. "I was the one in the wrong, not you."

I let out a cry when he finished and I could have swore I heard him mumble 'don't cry' on the other end of the phone. But I could stop. The tears kept running and I didn't know if it was because of Eric, or because of everything that had built up. Everything was just coming out at once. I heard a door open down the hall and I pulled myself together quickly. "Sorry." I muttered quickly.

"I'd like to see you." He said quietly, like he sensed my nervousness of someone overhearing. I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue...to explain why he wanted to see me. Especially after everything that had happened. "I...I mean, I'm feeling really fucking shit at the minute and I need a drink." He laughed. "Actually, I don't need a drink but I want one. Do you think we can meet at the bar we went to last time?" He asked and I could hear the hesitation in his voice.

I nibbled on my lip and wiped the last tear from my eye. "I guess." I didn't know if meeting him would be the right thing. Not with Damon and me finally on good terms. "After everything I've did to you, of course I'll come and meet you." I fixed my hair in the window and looked up the hall to find Jenny waiting. "What time?" I asked, wanting to end the conversation fast.

"Nine?" He asked and I agreed. "I'll meet you there. Just to avoid any...speculation." People are already speculating, I thought.I said goodbye, and ended the phone call. I scurried up the corridor towards the blonde waiting. I didn't know why she would care enough to wait, but I wasn't going to leave her standing on her own.

When I reached her, I noticed she looked as worried as I felt. I couldn't help but feel a hint of warmth from her, even after everything we've been through. "Was that Mr Northman? What did she say?" She asked, biting on her fingernails. "Are you okay?" She repeated for the second time today. I was beginning to feel like she cared. Crazy.

"He quit." It was all I managed to get out. She pulled me into a hug, gripping me so tightly that I couldn't move from shock. Was this really the same girl I had gotten into a fight with not so long ago? "I'm fine." I assured her. "But he wants to see me tonight."

She let go automatically, looking at me like I'd lost my mind for even mentioning the idea. "Why?" She asked, but then continued to ask more questions. "Isn't he worried about his reputation? What did you say?"

I didn't know what question to answer first. I felt more overwhelmed now than I did when I took my SATs. "He said he's lonely." I explained. "I kind of owe it to him. All he wants is a friend, Jenny. So I'm going to go." She frowned at my answer. "If you think about it, I'm getting of lightly."

"It's not your fault." She said. I wish people would stop telling me that. I don't know how they can possibly come to that conclusion after everything that's happened. Last time I checked it takes two people to engage in intercourse. "I know you don't expect me to say this. But you are the innocent one in this situation."

"I don't agree but I guess I should be thankful you aren't blaming me." I settled. She laughed and tugged me to single we get out of here before more hideous rumours come into play. Last thing I want is Jenny getting involved in it all. Lets ruin one person's life at a time. "Will you come with me?" I asked, causing her eyes to widen in confusion. "Well, not with me. But...can you be there. In the bar. With Nate or something. Just so I can count on you, if I need you."

She stared at me for a moment, collecting her thoughts and outweighing the decision. I don't know why I thought her being there would make me feel better. But I just didn't want to be on my own. She nodded and started to walk towards the entrance. I followed her quietly. Not knowing what to say now we've discussed what brought us back to talking again.

"Jenny," I started, and she looked at me blankly. "I'm sorry." Like with Eric, it was the only thing I could think to say to sum up my feelings. I guess I'm just not one for apologies. She smiled and shook her head, whilst she continued to walk.

"Don't worry about it." She said and we walked out the door, heading home to get ready for the night ahead of us.

It was just before 9 when we arrived at the bar. Jenny had told Nate to meet her there also. She said it was because he was working, but I knew it was before of the argument we had yesterday. Not that I minded. I didn't really want to run into him either. We walked into the dark bar, and I noticed Eric sitting at a table in the far corner. I squeezed Jenny's hand and we separated as I headed over to him, trying to look as composed as possible.

When I reached the table I noticed his glass was empty and he was so spaced out he didn't even notice I was standing in front of him. I slid into the seat beside him and smiled. He looked up at me and gave me a half grin, pushing the hair out of his face. He looked exhausted, and my theory on the tears was definitely true. His eyes were red and his face was blotchy. I chose to ignore it. I was here to comfort him, not to analyse.

"You look nice." Eric commented. "A lot better than me anyways." He laughed, sounding angry at himself. He lifted his glass to take a drink, but noticed it was empty and dropped it back down onto the table. "Thanks for coming." He smiled, and it looked genuine. "It means a lot."

I nodded and set my bag down beside me, turning to face him, not wanting to look distant even though I felt it. "It's the least I could do." I looked down at my hands and decided a drink would probably make this situation a whole lot better. "I'm going to the bar." I stood up and Eric lifted his glass and shook it, signally he wanted a refill. It probably wasn't the best idea. But it wasn't my place to deny him whatever was making him feel better.

When I returned to the table he was sitting him straight and looked a lot more approachable. I could tell he was trying to make an effort and I couldn't help but smile. Despite everything he's been through, he is still staying a gentleman. He gulped on his scotch before returning his attention to me. "This is so fucked up." He groaned. "I am a man in a mid life crisis."

I laughed and set my drink on the table. "You are 30; I wouldn't say it's a mid life." I shimmied closer to him because the music was making it difficult to hear. Or I was just using that as an excuse. "What are you doing to do now?"

He took another large gulp of his drink, and stared into the distance. After a few moments of silence he turned to face me for the first time and I noticed the hurt, confusion and pain in his eyes. It was making this whole not blaming myself thing ten times as difficult as it was before. "I'm moving out." He started. "And I think I'm going to go to Jersey. There is an opening for a job there."

I didn't know that to think. He was moving away because of a stupid mistake. He has had to uproot his life and start over because of one stupid, passionate night. I stroke his arm and he finished his drink. "I'm sorry."

"You need to stop saying that." He smiled and I returned the gesture. "I need another one of these. Be right back." I nodded and looked back at Jenny who was sitting with Nate, Chuck, Dan and two girls I didn't recognise. She automatically noticed my glance and looked up, tilting her head as if to ask how I am. I shrugged and turned back in my seat. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I lifted it out and swore when I saw Damon's name on the screen. I clicked ignore and slid it back into my bag when Eric returned with two scotches, both evidently for himself.

An hour past on and Eric has successfully managed to completely open himself up, probably without meaning to. He told me about how his wife was the cheer captain in high school, and he thinks he need for control spiralled from always getting what she wanted back when she was a teenager. Including him, apparently. He spoke about his career, and how he didn't want to live in New York but he did it for them, turning down the offer he got from UCLA years ago. He said he would have preferred to have worked there because he lives for the sun.

I didn't really get much of a say in the conversation, and I was fine with that because I didn't know what I would say. I nodded, gave the odd appreciative head tilt and squeezed his arm ever 10 minutes. After he finished the last drop of his scotch he relaxed his head against the back of the chair, and the stretching of his neck muscles got me excited in ways it probably shouldn't. Not now anyways.

"Is that your friend?" He asked looking over his shoulder, squinting his eyes. Obviously the alcohol has affected his eyesight.

"What?" I asked, snapping my head to find Jenny sitting on Nate's lap, looking like she was whispering the filthiest things in his ear. Part of me wanted what they had, but then I remembered I was mad at Nate. Eric let out at small laugh and turned back to the table, shaking his empty glass in his hand.

"Jenny, right?" He questioned. "She sits beside you in class." I pondered on what way to answer his question without sounding like I lugged my friend along with me for support because I couldn't be alone with him. It wasn't like that. Not at all.

I bit my lip, trying to act as though I was thinking. I probably looked more like I was terrified than in thought. "Oh, yeah." I said, pretending to have some sudden realization. "It looks like it. I wonder what she is doing here." I sipped on my drink quietly, not giving him any eye contact but I could feel his eyes boring into me.

"I wonder." He smirked and titled his head, smiling. He paused for a moment, contemplating whether he should say what he was thinking. After a number of seconds he finally gave in. "If you want to invite her over, you can." He said to my surprise, causing my eyes to widen. I don't know why he thought this was a good idea. "I'm not your teacher anymore you know." He said with a wink and walked towards the bar.

It took me a moment to gather what had just happened. Either he was drunk, which wouldn't be surprising after how much he has drunk in the past hour. Or this is some type of sick revenge has secretly planned because I made him lose his job. I shook my thoughts from my head made my way over to Jenny to invite her over. I already knew what she'd say. She'd think it would be a bad idea, which it would, and tell me to stop drinking before I do something stupid.

"What are you doing over here?" Jenny asked, taking her lips of Nate's neck. "Eric could see. Go away!"

I laughed loudly. Did she really think I would come over if Eric didn't already know she was here? I really did question her belief in me. Though I couldn't blame her. "He already knows you are here." I told her to which her mouth dropped open, like she had failed some task. "He asked if you wanted to come and sit with us."

She stared at me blankly, and then looked back at Nate. I raised an eyebrow, waiting for an answer. I grabbed her hand, impatiently pulling her upwards and walking towards the table. I looked behind me to see if she was protesting, but instead she was pulling Nate along with her while he was swallowing the last of his drink.

When we reached the table Eric was coming towards us, balancing three drinks in his hand. If one of those is for me I'll be naked on the floor by the end of the night. Jenny squeezed my hand and leant towards me to whisper in my ear. "He looks like a Viking out of his suit." I laughed. "Very hot."

Nate and Eric exchanged handshakes or something manly like that before sliding into the booth. Jenny mumbled nervously and tried to make a joke about an assignment he had given us before he left. I rubbed my forehead in frustration. I sat down beside Eric and he immediately threw his arm behind me, like it was a reflex. I raised my eyebrows at Jenny but she just shrugged her shoulders like it was no big deal. I sipped on my drink slowly, not wanting to devour it although my body was craving it to get rid of the anxiety.

"I'm sorry about the other day." Nate chirped up from beside Jenny. "I didn't mean what I said." I nodded and looked down at the table. "I was just defending my girlfriend, you know? I actually think you're pretty cool." I smiled at Nate's complete honesty. How I was mad at him the other day, I do not know. He has this face that is impossible to be mad at.

"I understand." I replied. "All is forgiven."

He nodded before pulling Jenny to sit closer to him. If that was even possible. I looked over to the blonde, drunk man beside me to find him staring and smiling. "What are you smiling at?" I asked. He shook his head and took a gulp from his glass. I was about to question his weird behaviour further when I seen his eyes widen, looking towards the entrance. I snapped my vision to keep in line with his and nearly choked at what I saw.

Damon and Edward were making their way in. And Damon looked angrier than he did the night he found out about everything. "Oh, fuck." I said my only thoughts out loud. Jenny turned round, confused at my outburst. Her head snapped back to quickly it was like she was the exorcist. She looked more terrified than I did. I turned to face Eric. "I...I have to go... talk to him. I can't-"

"It's okay." Eric patted me on the shoulder and nodded towards the direction I had to go. "I'll be here if you need me." I smiled then exchanged a worried glance with Jenny. She looked like she was about to crap herself, and was desperately clinging onto Nate's arm while he seemed oblivious to everything going on.

I fixed my hair nervously and headed towards Damon, who was standing at the bar, but scanning the entire place like he was looking for someone. When I was a metre or so away from him he finally caught my eyes. I smiled, sweetly at him but instead I got a nasty frown that chilled me to the bone. "Hi, you. What are you doing here?" I asked when I was finally in front of him.

He stared at me for a moment, causing me to breathe out loudly. Those eyes will kill me one day. He bent down to my level, resting his mouth besides my ear. He brushed my hair away and I shivered from head to toe. "I know." Those were the only two words he said, and suddenly his mouth was gone and I felt nauseous.

"Wa-wa...what?" I stammered like an idiot.

He lifted the drink the bartender had just left in front of him before taking one quick chug. "I know you fucked your professor." He snarled before walking off. My heart stopped and I felt light headed. How could he have possibly found out? If it was Nate, I will fucking kill him, I thought.

I looked back over at the table with numbness in my chest. Edward was sat beside him, and Eric was staring at me with a look that just made me want to run into traffic. I ordered another drink before heading back to the table, gripping onto the glass as I tried to compose myself. I sat back down beside Eric and thanked God as Jenny had already started a conversation so everything wouldn't be awkward.

I didn't know where to look. Nate was staring into space; Edward was looking at Damon while both Eric and Damon were staring at me. I looked up and caught the angry mans blue eyes. I furrowed my eyebrows and gave him a look that was begging for forgiveness, begging for him to understand. Or at least listen to me. He just looked away, drinking his scotch and stared at the blonde beside me.

"I don't think I know you." Damon said, interrupting Jenny. She turned to glare at him, and I could tell she was ready to protest, whether it is for herself or to defend me, I was unsure. I didn't know what he was getting at, because of course he knew Eric. He'd met him before. Or is his memory that bad?

Eric sat up from his relaxed position, pushing some hair from his stubbly face. "You do." He said, correctly him. "We met one night I was out with Lauren. You had some brunette with you." Damon didn't flinch. He knew exactly who he was talking to and he wasn't happy about it. I tapped my foot nervously and looked over to Jenny who was whispering in Nate's ear, probably informing him of what was going on.

"I always have a brunette with me." Damon said without any expression. My heart flinched at little at his remark. I thought things had changed, and I didn't want some stupid night of wild sex to come between us.

Eric snorted and looked at me. I didn't bother returning his gaze, just continuing to stare at Damon. "You were also pretty ignorant if I remember." My stomach dropped, wishing he didn't say that. It was only going to anger Damon more. "You probably don't remember because it just seems natural to be a dick, right?"

I nudged Eric in the side and he glanced down at me again. I continued to ignore him. Damon finished his drink quickly and leant forward, leaning his elbows on his table in a dominant manner. "Lauren doesn't seem to mind." He finally looked at me and I felt my insides being pierced repeatedly. "I didn't have to get her drunk to get her into my bed."

"Damon-." I tried to reply because he interrupted me soon after.

"And I'm not her teacher so I couldn't go to jail for being a pervert." He snapped out with a smirk. I felt Eric jump up beside me and the table jerked slightly with Jenny's wine glass tumbling over. She turned round with shocked eyes and decided to intervene, pulling at Damon while I stood motionless.

"Say it again." Eric gritted through his teeth as his jaw tightened. He pushed me out of the way and got from behind the table until him and Damon's proximity was so close I could feel the testosterone bouncing of both of them. "Go on."

Damon smirked and looked at me. I shook my head, desperate for him to back down and be the better man. "I didn't mean to hurt your pride." He said raising his hands as if to calm the situation. "Just like you didn't mean to fuck your student."

It all happened fast after then. Eric's head came crashing into Damon's so fast that I didn't even hear Jenny's scream. I saw a chair tumbling over as Damon's fist clashed against Eric's jaw. As I ran towards them both to stop it, Nate was beside me within a second, pulling me away. I fought his grip but I was too weak. Too terrified to even do anything. I watched as Edward pulled Damon back, with so much strength that I didn't even know he had. Someone, I'm not sure who, shouted about someone being a cunt. I winched at the vulgarity of the word. A bouncer appeared behind Eric and tugged him backwards, muttering about going out the back entrance.

When he reached me, I grabbed his hand for support but he shook his head and before I knew it he was being flung out the back door. I turned back towards the scene of the fight to notice Damon being pushed out the front by another bouncer, and Edward who was squeezing his arm and rubbing his back. I blinked momentarily, feeling a tear drop roll down my cheek and then Jenny was in front of me asking if I was alright.

I nodded and pushed past her, desperate to get outside to talk to Damon. "I have to..." She understood and walked over to Nate, getting him a slight hug. Or a kiss. I wasn't sure as my vision was suddenly blurred, either by the tears or because of the fight. When I reached outside the wind hit me, almost knocking me of my feet. I looked around and I noticed Edward holding Damon as he swore violently and held onto his jaw. I took a breath and walked towards them.

"Are you okay?" I murmured causing them both to look at me. Damon had venom in his eyes and it made me feel sick, like acid was boiling in my stomach. Edward mumbled something and walked away but I didn't notice, as I was completely hypnotised by Damon's stare.

We stood for a moment and I shuffled, losing balance. I looked back at him and he was still gawking at me. "How is your jaw?" I asked and he took his hand off the side of his face immediately, as if he was embarrassed and seen it as a sign of weakness. He didn't reply, but pulled out a packet of cigarettes from his jacket. I didn't even know he smoked.

"Look, Damon...I-"

"I don't want to hear it." He said quietly. My eyes widened and my mouth opened slightly, as I inhaled the air suddenly needing more to breath. I furrowed my eyebrows, not understanding what he meant. "You don't need to explain yourself."

He took a drag of his cigarette, and then another before putting it out with his foot. "You aren't mad at me?" I asked, confused. "Because in there-"

"I punched your professor because he is a fucking pervert." He said looking at me for the first time in minutes. I opened my mouth to speak but then closed it again and nodded. I wasn't going to argue with what he believed. "He took advantage of you and if you can't see than then you're an idiot."

I nodded again even though it wasn't true. He had obviously only heard half of the story, and that was all it took for him to be convinced. "It was a mistake." I told him, because that part was true. It was something that I regret, especially after everything it has caused. "It was the night we-"

"I don't need the details." He interrupted, pulling out another cigarette and lighting it again. He looked around him before settling his gaze on me. He inhaled, looking disgusting, throwing the cigarette to the ground not bothering to stand on it. So I did it for him. We stood in silence, unaware what the other was thinking. I didn't want to ask him. Because I didn't want to be hurt again. "Can you get Edward for me? We have somewhere to be."

I looked at him, wanting more of an explanation but it was evident that he wasn't going to give me one. So I turned to leave, before deciding to ask before I didn't have the chance. "Are we okay?" I said quietly. But it caught his attention enough for him to look at me. "I mean, is it over? Me and you."

He stared blankly for a minute, fumbling with the pocket of his jacket, probably looking for another cigarette. He gave up and took a deep breath. "You can't end what never really started, Lauren." I bit my lip at his response, hoping it was some defence mechanism and not the truth. But he didn't look like he wanted to hurt me. He looked more hurt than I did. "I just think it's best we move on." He looked at me and I frowned, looking down, trying to hold in the tears.

"We can never seem to last past a day." He half laughed, not because it was funny but because it was a sad truth. Something always ended up coming between us. "Sorry." He mumbled and looked away one last time. I nodded even though he couldn't see me and headed back into the bar to look for Edward.

I didn't have to look far as he was standing at the edge of the bar, waiting anxiously. "Is he alright?" He asked quickly.

"Yeah." I half choked, trying to regain my strength and compose myself so the tears didn't just rush out of me. "He is waiting for you." I walked past him, to head towards Jenny before he stopped me abruptly.

"I think it was Katherine." He told me, catching my attention. I turned back to face him, my cheeks flaring red a little. If that stupid slut is the reason this happened... "I think she is the one that told him." Of course she did. "Apparently she heard it from someone in your History class. Some guy she was sleeping with." He shrugged.

I nodded, accepting it because what else could I have done? It's all over now so there was no point in hating her for it. "Thanks." I said and he rushed out of the bar, to his friend waiting outside. I walked towards my only friends waiting for me and was immediately embraced my Jenny. She stroked the back of my head as my arms lay limp, unable to do anything.

"It's going to be okay." She whispered repeatedly into my ear. I looked up at Nate and he half smiled, walking towards me as he squeezed my arm then headed somewhere behind me. Probably to Damon. He is his friend too. I wrapped my arms around the small waist in front of me and quietly sobbed into her neck.

"What am I going to do?" I cried like some pathetic person that had nothing left to live for. "What am I supposed to do?"

She pulled away from me for a second to look at me, pushing my hair out of my face, she smiled. "Adapt. You just have to adapt." And she was back to holding me again. I let out another sob. I didn't know how I was supposed to adapt to the current circumstances but I knew it was my only option. I had to accept all the mistakes I had made, and learn from them. Maybe it could make things better in the long run.

Hello, it's been a while yadayadayada. There's only one chapter after this...I think. So, yeah. And I didn't proof read so enjoy the errors. I don't own anyone except for Lauren.