AN: I owe you guys a huge apology. I was hoping that I'd have more time to write, but life and writer's block caught up with me. Since I didn't have any homework today, I was finally able to finish off this chapter. Sorry it isn't more interesting. This is sort of a lead-up to the next one. Please continue to send me reviews, it reminds me that I do need to finish this, and thank you for all of your encouragement and praise. It's nice to know that some people out there like what I do. Who knows, maybe I will become an author some day! Like always, read, review, and enjoy!


Where am I? Ouch… Ok, maybe I'd better not move for a little bit until the world stops spinning. Ulrich leaned back against the tree and set his palms on the ground to steady himself. All I remember from last night is talking to Theo, then walking away and everything went black. I think I saw him again, but I don't remember much of it. How'd I get here like this? Pain streaked down his left arm as he put weight on it to regain his balance, surprising him into opening his eyes. Dried blood caked a large portion of his forearm, mixed with dirt until the actual wound was indistinguishable. Wincing, he raised his arm closer to his face. Two shallow cuts met his glance; the first three inch cut was vertical, which met a horizontal cut by his elbow. The second slash was smaller - about two inches. Though they were shallow, the slashes hurt. Taking care to not upset his left arm, Ulrich stood shakily and walked toward his cabin. The light of the rising sun guided his way as the sound of waking campers started to fill the once-peaceful area.

"Hey buddy, oversleep?" Odd called from a nearby cabin as Ulrich walked closer.

"No, Odd, I didn't. We'll talk about it later, ok?" Odd noted the stiffness with which Ulrich walked and the seriousness of his voice.

"Alright, we'll talk about it over breakfast. Pancakes this morning!"

Nodding absentmindedly, Ulrich walked into his cabin, carefully covering the cuts with his right hand.

"Hey Ulrich," Jonathan called, "Did you sleep outside last night? Your hair is full of twigs and you're all dirty."

"Uh, I went out for a walk this morning," Ulrich lied, "I didn't sleep well." After a short wait, it was Ulrich's turn for the bathroom. A glance in the mirror confirmed what Jonathan had said - he really was a mess. Before showering, Ulrich carefully washed off his arm in the sink. Red-tinted water ran down the drain as the caked blood washed off, revealing the cuts fully. Blood leaked slowly from the scabs which had opened during the washing. After grabbing a towel from the stack near the showers, Ulrich showered, the hot water relaxing the sore muscles across his back and chest. Ulrich gingerly touched a bruise on the right side of his ribcage, and with the pain came a foggy memory. A memory of a conversation that had taken place the night before. Theo! He's the one who did this to me! He was mad because Yumi loves me and doesn't love him. He wanted to know why Yumi loves me. But, I don't know. I don't know why she'd love me when I've pushed her away so many times by ignoring her feelings. I've loved her for as long as I've known her, but I don't know why. She's beautiful and smart. But that's not it, I'd care about her even if she had a giant wart on her nose. I don't know how to explain it. Maybe it doesn't have to be explained. I love her and that's what matters.

Steam billowed out of the shower as Ulrich emerged. After dressing, he scoured the bathroom, hoping to find something to dress his wound. Luck was on his side as his search uncovered a basic first aid kit tucked away under the sink cabinet with the extra rolls of toilet paper. The cuts stung as Ulrich cleaned, then covered them with gauze and a wrap. Heaving a sigh, he emerged from the bathroom, deciding to forgo breakfast and announcements, instead heading to his history class.

In the girls' cabins, Yumi was still in emotional turmoil. Though she was both touched that he cared so much about her and relieved that she didn't have to tell him about the abuse herself, it still upset her that he had read her diary. Sure, I read his diary, too, but it was only fair since he read mine, right? Deep down, she knew this wasn't true, but there is usually more hurt from that which is done to you, rather than what you've done to someone else. Sticking his diary in her book bag, Yumi left for breakfast, contemplating what she would say to him in less than five minutes' time.


AN: Since it's been so long since I've updated, I'm going to help some of you readers who don't belong to Fanfiction,net. If you don't have a membership and want to be notified when I update, say so in your next review, and I will do my best to send out a mass email when I update again. I will try to post another chapter during Thanksgiving or Christmas break, but no guarantees! As always, if you have a question you want answered, besides things like 'Will Theo die?' and 'Will Ulrich and Yumi get back together?' just include it in your review, along with an email address if you're a non-member and I will try to answer your question! Leave a review before you go, thanks!