An: NymhadoraTonks: No, it's not Chester's girlfriend. (That's all I'll reveal for now) You'll find out what happens in the next chapter. I'm trying to speed up the chapter posting schedule now, so hold on tight!

The final bell of the day made Donna finally put down the book after reading four very eventful chapters. She felt strange. Not sad or angry, just...uneasy. What was the cause? Donna wasn't entirely sure of it. Was it the fact that Chester was kissing some other girl, the fact that she was reading about a dead girl's love story, or that she just read about the start of her boyfriend's first relationship?

Donna couldn't choose one to blame.

Looking at the small shoebox before her, Donna began to wonder what had happened to Hermon. When she started to read about the Wonderland boys, she thought it would be Hermon's end. But that would've been the easy way out. Reading of his death was sure to spring tears to her eyes. Ones she would dread and definitely wasn't going to share with anyone.

She hated keeping this secret. Donna should be way beyond that now. But still, she had fallen back into her old habits. She did think this was a little different than the events of last fall. Hiding a possession and a book were entirely different things. Besides, Eliza said she was going to tell Donna everything one day. Perhaps this was the way.

It wouldn't surprise Donna if Laura had kept a record of last year. She recalled seeing a bookshelf in Laura's dorm. Perhaps she had used a spell to create the story for something for them to look back on. But at the same time, Donna knew it was almost impossible. How could Laura use a spell to write all of the feelings and thoughts of her friends? Unless they contributed to the story.

Matt wouldn't contribute. Donna knew that. So, that disproves her theory.

She put the book securely in her bag before heading out of the dungeon classrooms. Donna then transported herself to the dorm where she dropped off her things and crawled into bed. Almost in the perfect queue, Ally gracefully opened the door and tipped toed into the room. She extended her neck to peer at Donna to see if she was asleep.

"I'm awake," Donna said as she slowly sat up. She gave a fake yawn and stretched.

"Are you feeling better?" Ally asked, sitting on the edge of Donna's bed.

"I'm a little uneasy," Donna touched her stomach. "Must've been something I ate. It's mostly gone now."

"Good," Ally grinned. "I hate to see my best girl down in the dumps."

"I'm not down in the dumps," Donna raised her brows.

"Oh, please," Ally smirked. "Catherine said you were looking very distressed in the library. I think you're worrying too much about Matt."

"Oh," Donna had almost forgotten about Matt's injury. Not that she didn't care, in her head he had just asked Eliza out. He was perfectly healthy and...happy. Oh, dear hex. He was happy. Was he happier back then? Was he disappointed with his life now? Did he never want to talk about last fall because he actually preferred that time?

Donna was getting way over her head. She took a deep breath and looked up at Ally. "Yes," Donna nodded. "I've missed him today."

"Aw," Ally clasped her hands to her heart. "That's so sweet. Why don't you just use magic to go see him?"

"I suppose I could, but I don't want to spell myself in there when the nurse is there."

"Then just go in hiding," Ally shrugged. "You said that you were shoved under the bed this morning, just transport under there."

"I suppose I could," Donna got up out of bed. She looked at her backpack where the book was. Best to just leave it here, otherwise, Ally would be suspicious. "I'll see you later."

Ally waved goodbye as Donna transported herself back under the bed. She didn't hear anything for a moment, just a small sigh. Donna lifted the bed skirt and peered out. No one was there. She slid out from her hiding, still out of Matt's sight. Donna grinned as she jumped up and grabbed Matt's resting arm. Matt practically jumped out of bed.

Donna was in his shaking arms within the second. Matt then realized who it was and relaxed. "Jeez, Donna," Matt loosened his grip on her shoulders. He let out a breath before pulling her to him.

"It was just payback for this morning," Donna leaned her head over his pounding heart. She couldn't help but grin. That'll serve him right.

"Mhmm," Matt let go of her after planting a single kiss on her forehead. "Be sure that once I'm let out of captivity you're always looking over your shoulder."

"I'm terrified," Donna said sarcastically.

"As you should be," Matt sat back down on his bed. He scratched at his forehead.

"Careful of the stitches," Donna grabbed his hand as she plopped down beside him.

"I learned that lesson this morning," Matt shook his head. Donna gave him a sad smile before kissing him on the cheek.

"I'm sure you'll be as good as new by the end of the weekend," she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Yeah," Matt gave a small chuckle. "Right."

"What do you mean?" Donna sprung from her resting.

"I-it's nothing," Matt shook his head, making his curls bounce. "I just mean physically, not mentally."

"It's about the accident," Donna said in a small voice. "Isn't it?"

He bit his lip. "You know how I feel Donna."

"No, I don't," Donna said sternly. "You've never told me what happened. I had to learn from Eliza and Laura. Ally has even seen the memory of your past."

"I didn't intend to," Matt defended.

"Well, you still did," Donna stood from the bed. "All you've ever done is mention it."

"Yeah," Matt shrugged. "Is there anything else you truly need to know?"

"I want to know your struggles," Donna ran her fingers through her hair. "Your thoughts...your feelings." She thought about the book and felt guilty. But what else was she going to do? Matt wouldn't tell her.

Did he not trust her as he did with Eliza? Donna thought about the book. He opened up to her right away. There was no hesitation, not even a second encounter before he exposed himself and his power to read people easily. Donna wondered if Matt loved Eliza, and would still if she hadn't gotten mixed up in Luara's broken soul. Would Donna be in love with him now if Eliza hadn't broken his heart?

The blood drained from her face. She felt so hollow inside. Her throat was closing. Matt looked at her curiously. "Are you feeling alright, Donna?"

She swallowed, remembering that he didn't know. And since he wasn't going to reveal anything to her, she wasn't going to reveal anything to him."Yes. I'm fine. I should go, I'm going to go home this weekend." Donna turned to leave, her jaw clenched slightly.

"Donna!" Matt called before she could spell herself away. She turned back slowly. Her violet eyes met his bright blue, but then she studied the bridge of his nose, so she wouldn't lose herself. If she dared to look at him in the eye again, she would fall into pieces on the floor.

He looked confused but then gave her a small grin. "I love you."

Taking in a small breath, Donna gave him a small nod, "I'll see you Monday." She snapped her fingers. Disappearing in purple flame, she left Matt alone.

After Donna retrieved her things, she said quick goodbyes to the girls. Biting her tongue every second she was alone in the hall, Donna went down to her brother's dorm. She barely had to knock before the door swung open to reveal Brandon. He almost bumped straight into her. Donna took a step back, frightened. "Oh," Brandon let out a breath. "Donna, hey."

"Uh..." Donna looked at him cautiously. "Hey. Why were you running out the door so...urgently?"

"Oh," Brandon said again. He scratched the back of his neck. "I was waiting for the mail."

"Why didn't you just go down to the mail slots?" Donna raised a brow.

"Well, I-" Brandon stopped. Donna raised a brow. Why was he getting so flustered? "Yes, I suppose I'll go down to check. I thought you were perhaps Derek. He usually gets the mail."

"I see," Donna gave a small nod. "Is Ryder here?"

"No," Brandon shut the door as he stepped out into the hall. "He's at the library."

"Strange," Donna tapped her chin. "Catherine said he should be here and that she was going to go to the library."

"You can play detective," Brandon shrugged. "Want a sidekick?"

Donna laughed. "Sure." They both started walking down the halls of Ever After High. "I'm sure Ryder was going to surprise her or something. Who knew my brother could be such a romantic?"

"Speaking of romance," Brandon said after a small chuckle. "I have a small question."

"Shoot," Donna said with a small smile.

"So," Brandon sighed. "I really like this girl, but-Nah, you'll think I'm just stupid."

"No," Donna grabbed his arm. "I would never think that." Brandon look from where her hand gripped his arm, back to her with a small smile. Donna suddenly let go and tucked her hair on her ear. "So, you like this girl?"

"Yes," Brandon ran his fingers through his red hair. "We've been talking quite often lately, but I'm scared."

"Scared?" Donna repeated. Brandon nodded.

"Yes, scared," Brandon looked nervous. "I'm afraid I'm...falling in love."

"Love," Donna whispered. She once thought she was in love with the boy standing next to her. Now she knew that it wasn't true. How easily could the mind be tricked into thinking a feeling was true when it was quite the opposite, Donna would never know.

"I shouldn't be scared," Brandon shook his head. "But I thought since you and Matt are obviously meant for each other, you would have good advice when it comes to love."

"What makes you think me and Matt were made for each other?" Donna suddenly asked. Brandon's eyes widened a little.

"I- uh..." he trailed off, but she stared him down. "Don't you think so?"

"Well, how can one be so sure?" Donna wondered aloud. "Sure, Matt had saved me through the possession and the war, but does that truly know that two people will stay together forever? People can be through the worsts of traumas together and still manage to grow apart because of that pain. Even if you love someone, it doesn't mean it'll open up the pain you keep inside and share it with the person you believe you can tell anything."

"Donna I didn't mean to upset you," Brandon said in a worried voice. "Is everything alright between you two?"

Donna caught her breath. What was she doing? She needed to leave before she got too worked up. "I gotta go. Tell Ryder I said goodbye." Before Brandon could say anything, Donna disappeared in flames.

Donna reappeared on the steps of Queen castle. She didn't even bother looking for Ryder. Donna simply could not bear to see anyone else. So she took a deep breath and opened the doors to her home. She wandered the halls until she found her parents in the dining room. They were sitting right next to each other when usually the rulers would sit on opposite sides of the long table.

Donna was glad they didn't have any servants because then she would feel more uncomfortable barging into the room. Her parents were laughing about something when they caught sight of her. Raven's lips curved into a smile when she saw her daughter. "Donna," Raven rose from her chair. "I didn't think you would be coming home this weekend."

"I just wanted a break from studying," Donna said, keeping her backpack on.

"Well," Dexter pulled out a chair and patted the seat. "Come and sit, eat, tell us about school."

"I can get another plate," Raven almost left the room but Donna stopped her.

"No, don't," Donna shook her head. She then yawned. "I'm actually quite tired, so I think I'll just head to my room and get a goodnight's sleep. if that's alright with you."

"Of course," Raven nodded, exchanging looks with Dexter. "We'll talk in the morning."

Donna didn't bother with any more conversation. She just trudged up to her room. Once in her room, Donna closed the door and took off her jacket. She then plopped down on her bed. She put her hands over her eyes as they began to well with tears. She hated this feeling. Donna knew she just couldn't share it because no one would understand.

Matt would.

Donna hated herself for even thinking about him because that just made the tears fall from her violet eyes. Why did things always have to be so complicated? Couldn't he just tell her the truth? Then she wouldn't have to feel so guilty about reading his past. She wanted to know what went so badly that he couldn't even talk about it. What was the deal anyway? Did he just not trust her with the truth?

She thought about what she said to Brandon.

Even if you love someone, it doesn't mean it'll open up the pain you keep inside and share it with the person you believe you can tell anything.

Donna thought Matt loved her. She believed it when he said it. She had even voiced her opinion on the matter and he dismissed her both times. Donna had shared everything with him. Well...that wasn't entirely true. She had kept the possession from him in the fall, Donna would admit to that. At the time, she was confused about what was happening. She didn't even know what really was the truth at the time. But even after that, she had told him everything. She had revealed herself, and he still kept a close barrier between them.

That's what brought up the question she hated to think about. Did Matt truly love Eliza? Did part of him still love her if he had?

There was only one way to truly find out.

One way that got straight to the point.

It revealed everything.

Donna looked at the book that was slanting out of her bookbag. She reached out for it, grabbed it, and flipped it open to the page she left off. But as she did, Donna thought about Matt and stopped.

He looked confused but then gave her a small grin. "I love you."

Donna closed her eyes before letting them read the pages before her...