Here is Le next chapter! Hope you enjoy it! I wanted to finish up the b-plot of Lola's and James' story. It'll probably be a while before I go back to this sub plot since I want to start moving what little of a plot I have in this story along lol.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it!

If you check my main page you can see which stories I am working on, or at least the ones I'm supposed to be working on. I tried my best finding all the spelling, and grammar errors.

Enjoy!

All's Fair In Love and War

Monday Evening

This wasn't how I had planned for it to go. Everything was supposed to happily work itself out, but somehow the worst possible outcome came to be. He had returned first, guilt heavily weighing down his usually handsome and boyish features. That was already a bad sign and I bristled as I watched the doors in worry. She came in a few seconds later, quickly grabbing her things and leaving without making eye contact but I could tell. The way her eyes shone and how she bit down on her bottom lip told me that she was struggling to keep it together. So, as I chased after her, leaving the other three behind, I desperately racked my brain for a solution. What could I say to her to make it better? To make her go back to the way she was. It was rare for her to cry, so whenever she did something inside of me broke a little and I couldn't help but panic. I finally caught up to her, and took her wrist firmly in mine. As I opened my mouth I silently prayed that I wouldn't make things worse.

Monday Morning

The start of it all was that very next day after the whole debacle with Tom. While getting ready I received a text.

Sirius: Morning beautiful. Just wanted to let you know that everything is set for tonight.

What he was referring to was the Karaoke date I was setting up for Lola. Honestly, I wanted a Friday or Saturday night but apparently they would all be out of town, and through the week they would be busy with preparation. Thus, Monday was the only day they could afford. When I asked why he told me they were all going to a secret mission and that if he told me any more he would have to kill me. His eyes were so serious that I actually believed him...That is until he laughed at me while calling me "adorably gullible".

His teasing aside, I took the date he offered not wanting to drag this out any longer for Lola's sake. For me, the sole fact that Lola wasn't being as aggressive in demanding that James talk to her told me all I needed to know. Lola really had it bad for James and was too afraid of his answer. There was only one other time when a guy had this much effect on Lola and that didn't end well. But this time would be different! I was going to make sure of that! When I told Lola the plan for tonight she looked excited and a bit nervous. And she made me promise that no matter how tonight went I would also make things work with Sirius.

I could only smile at her words and half-hardheartedly play along. I couldn't help but wish for the days before everything was so complicated. My own problems had my emotions on thin ice and adding this strange love square to the mix only made it worse. Still, I couldn't deny that I was a bit glad for the chance to think about something else. Throughout the day I would occasionally catch Tom's gaze and a sharp spike of anger would make me turn away in a huff. And though the feeling was as quick to leave as it was to come, if you asked Kat it looked like I had gas.

All day I had been in constant contact with Sirius, determined to make this the best day for Lola. So then why? Why did it turn out like this? There was only supposed to be four of us, so then why was it that five of us was about to enter the karaoke room? Before entering I grabbed Sirius' wrist and quickly asked in a hushed whisper,

"Why is she here?" I couldn't help feeling betrayed and from Sirius' guilty expression it must have shown.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't stop her. When she found out she demanded to come and…well…both of us – doubly for James – are weak when it comes to her."

I frowned, "You should have spoken up. You know how important this is for Lola."

"I'm sorry."

"And you could've at least warned me that she was coming."

Sirius rubbed the back of his neck and avoided my gaze. It was very unlike him to be so timid so I knew that he really felt bad about what happened. I looked at the ground while heaving a heavy sigh. There wasn't anything anyone could do about it now, and crying over it wasn't going to help Lola. The most important thing to do was get in there before things turned awkward.

When she first showed up, standing between Sirius and James, and before any introductions were made I knew exactly who she was. There was no mistaking that sharp look of confidence in her gaze as she heavily scrutinized both Lola and myself. I couldn't sense any hostility from her, but she also wasn't making herself seem approachable. Just from that I could see how Sirius said she was similar to Lola. Though their appearance couldn't be any more different the vibe they gave off was surprisingly similar. Intimidating. Definitely not someone you wanted as an enemy. I got the feeling that she would know exactly what to say to hit you where it hurts most. And the way she stood; tall, proud and dominantly made me want to back away.

So this was Lily Evans.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you." She took a step forward and extended her hand out with a challenging smile.

And a challenge was something that Lola did not lose. She smoothly took Lily's hand, a similar smile on her face, "I would say the same, but we both know it isn't."

From their first words to each other I new that this night was only just beginning. And even though this situation was due to James's lack of judgment, I couldn't help but feel bad for him especially when we took our seats and he was sandwiched between the two of them.

"How about we kick off the night with a classic!" Sirius grinned, attempting to lighten up the mood by entering a song that was impossible not to sing along to. There were only two mics in the room and Sirius passed one to James, possibly in a bid to get him to relax.

"Now, you three ladies just sit back and watch the pros at work."

Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer began booming through the room's speakers and before I realized it I was swaying to the music. It was hard to not rock your head or tap your feet to the music. It turned out to be a smart play by Sirius as by time the chorus blared through the speakers everyone was singing along - mic or no mic. Even Lily, who I just couldn't see letting loose, was nodding along. James and Sirius had took to standing in the front pretending that they were actually on stage and making air guitars to the music. The uncomfortable atmosphere from earlier seemed like a dream and I was determined keep the sudden high going, so I entered my and Lola's go to starting song for karaoke - Wannabe by Spice girls.

"Now that armature hour is over, I'll take it from here." Lola teased the two, hands on her hip and confident smirk on her face.

"Those are fighting words." James quipped back while handing over his mic. "Let's see what you've got."

Lola smirked and laid a blue manicured nail on his chest, "Once you've seen what I can do try to keep your tongue in your mouth, yeah?"

I couldn't help but do a small fist pump by my side. She wasn't letting the fact that Lily was here stop her advancements. In fact it looked like she was actually more aggressive. I took a brief glace at Lily to gauge her reactions to only see her raising a brow in amusement but not looking worried. Was she that confident that she would be able to out do Lola? The song started up and we began singing with practiced familiarity. Now my voice was rather average but leaning more towards actually having some talent if I practiced more. Lola, however, not only had a natural singing ability but took singing lessons for 6 years from when she was 7 years old. Admittedly there were times when I've been jealous of her. How could I not be? Everything about her just screamed PERFECT! And while I know it to not be true, from an outside perspective things just always seemed to fall into place for her. She was beautiful, talented and everyone wanted to be her friend. Even if I didn't want to be envious, sometimes I could't help it. But this time I wanted all of her good points to shine. To show James that he would be a fool to not look her way.

"You ladies are pretty good. Song choice could use a little work though."

I rolled my eyes at Sirius' teasing, lighting punching his shoulder as I sat beside him.

"Hey, let's sing a song together." Lola smiled scooting in close to James so they could look at the song list together. "What kind of music do you like?"

The request machine was suddenly taken from Lola's hands who in surprise did nothing to resist. Lily, the culprit, then confidently typed in a song and the Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks' song No Air was reserved.

"Despite how he looks he likes sappy duets like this. I can't tell you how many times he's forced me to listen to this song." Lily chuckled, the sound reminding me of a warm evening in a fireplace lit cabin. I hated myself for the finding the rich sound of her laughter pleasing to hear. James also chuckled, but his was in embarrassment as he took the offered mic.

"There you go again, spilling secrets."

"It's not a secret if everyone knows, James." She shook her head playfully, the look on her face coming alive with her banter with James, "And since Lola didn't know I figured I would save you the shame of admiring it yourself."

"Hey, I know about your questionable music tastes, too."

"There's nothing questionable about Indian music. It's good."

Before James could reply the music begun, and as it did I could hear Lola click her tongue. I just knew she was biting her tongue from Lily's comment as she showed of her greater knowledge about James. Clearly she won that round. Beside me Sirius shifted, awkwardly busying himself with drinking from his bottled water. Not that I could blame him. The temperature in the room felt like it was rising. I sighed silently as I watched the two of them. There was something about Lily that struck me as out of place. She sung the song well enough and anyone could see the joy in the dazzling forest green eyes that gazed at James. But otherwise she looked stiff. Like she didn't really come to things like this. Her back remained straight, posture impeccable even in a setting like this, and her feed shuffled along the ground resulting in a rigid two step. Honestly it reminded me the way Malfoy behaved and walked around. Meanwhile, James smoothly gliding along with the smooth beat, playfully prodding and guiding Lily along.

Before I knew it a single word rolled across my mind-

'Cute'

-and guilt immediately followed. I dropped my gaze to stare at the carpeted floor, hoping that Lola wouldn't look my way.

The song ended and the moment James took his seat Lola made her move. Lily must have thought that her earlier attack would still be effecting Lola, but seeing Lola quickly bounce back made the sure-fire confidence drop slightly.

"I would've never thought you've be into love duets."

"What can I say? I'm a romantic"

Lola giggled flirtatiously while pushing a few buttons on the request machine. "Then I think you'll like this song. Older songs are nice but I think they lack something that the newer ones have."

"In my opinion there is more charm in the songs that came first." Lily suddenly stated the softness in her eyes from earlier no where to be seen.

Lola shrugged exaggeratedly, "But no one wants that same tired out tine in their heads. That's what new songs are for, because the old ones are outdated." Before Lily could reply Lola quickly raised her voice, "Do you know this song, James?"

"Oh, yeah! It's one of my favorites!"

I caught Sirius gaze and we both visibly shuddered from the icy look that settled in Lily's eyes. Clearly, James completely missed the underlying conversation the two women were having and his answer to Lola's seemingly innocent question greatly irritated Lily. And despite the rising temperature of the room - that had nothing to do with 5 people being cramped in a room with barely working AC - I silently cheered Lola's attack. If I had to go against either of them I would've probably backed down a long time ago.

"James is a smart guy but kind of a dumbass when it comes to relationships." Sirius whispered to me as the song 'Señorita' smoothed over the room.

"I though he was a romantic."

"Self proclaimed, as I'm sure Lily would disagree."

'As would I, actually. More of a heart breaker.'

Regardless of my personal feelings and thoughts on the matter I swayed to the beat, pleased with how things were going so far for Lola. I could see the gradual change in Lily's composure from our first meeting until now. She must not have seen Lola as much of a competition, but from how her slender fingers dug into the flesh of her crossed arms that opinion was changing. It felt like James and Lola were in their own little world. The two of them easily played with the beat of the song, Lola's voice training allowing her to easily match to James' tune. And the way that Lola made her voice more husky and sensual to match the song would have any man drawn to her. Not only that but the two moved with with the music with much more natural chemistry than when Lily was standing. As the last note faded away I enthusiastically clapped and shared a smile with Lola, who happily returned it. however, we were the only ones smiling.

Sirius had a strange mix of a sad and encouraging grimace on his face making me believe he would cry at any moment. It made it easier for me to feel less guilty by avoiding looking at him. Lily, for obvious reasons, was slightly fuming though the only indication of this was the death grip on her arm. Lastly, James, who was grinning right up until he looked at Lily. It was like watching a light come on as James seemed to realized the results of his actions. The abrupt drop in atmosphere didn't go unnoticed by Lola as the two of them silently took their seats.

With no song in the que to play the automatic adds played on the screen hoping that whomever was watching would pay the ridiculous price for whatever item they had. What were we going to do now? James wouldn't look away from his hands, brow creased in deep thought and a heavy frown weighed on his lips. In which I could see the guilt and regret from how things ended up. However, instead of speaking up he retreated inward not even an attempt. Lily stared at the wall in front of her and Lola had also folded her arms from frustration. Even Sirius, who I sent a pleading look to do something with the atmosphere, couldn't do anything under this pressure.

I should be the last person to judge but I acutely felt the irritation of being with someone who behaved so hesitantly. This was a situation brought about due to James' mistakes. Even if there is no accounting for the heart going against your better judgement, if he had planned to get back with Lily he should have been upfront with Lola from the beginning, instead of leading her on. Doing this the way that he did only hurt all of them.

Suddenly Lola jumped to her feet and four pair of eyes watched her, but even under our gaze Lola remained determined. She reached down and grabbed James' hand to force him to his feet.

"Can I speak to you?" She then added, "Alone?"

"Yeah." James' voice didn't have the usual jovial tone behind it, but much like Lola's there was a sense of resolve in the way he followed behind her.

'You can do it Lola!'

But now that they were gone I felt even more suffocated in this room. The only thing that kept me from running away was Sirius sitting right beside me. This was way too much for my heart to take and I wasn't even the one who would be affected by the today's outcome. Before I knew it I let out a tired and heavy sigh that sounded doubly so in the stuffy room. My body shivered when it felt Lily's penetrating gaze. How was it that a single look from her was so intense?

It was then the door opened and James returned the only expression readable on his face was guilt. Instantly my heart dropped into my gut and everything after that passed by in a flash. Like someone hit the fast-forward button on a remote and before I knew it I was chasing Lola who had returned to grab her things before dashing away.

"Lola wait!" I shouted hoping to catch up to her. I ignored the stares from those around us and mumbled rushed apologizes as I quickly sped through the crowds of people.

"Lola! Ugh, why do you have to be so fast?" I groaned while willing my legs to push faster.

How long had we been running? How far had we gone? I didn't know the answer but finally I was able to grab her wrist to force her to a stop. As we stood there both panting heavily I stared at the back of Lola's downcast head. What should I say? Would it make it worse? I didn't think it through. When I saw the defeated look in her eyes my body reacted before I could think of anything else. I just wanted her to stop, but now that I had her my words turned to stone.

"It's fine." Lola rasped, her voice hollow in her attempt to push her feelings away.

I shook my head, "It's not fine! It's wrong! James was wrong!"

"This is just how it goes." Her voice was beginning to crack and her hand trembled, "In this game sometimes you lose and...and this...this is me losing." The start of a sob almost broke through her final words but she somehow held it together. "I convinced myself that if...If I just tried harder then maybe...but-" She sniffed, using her other hand to wipe her eyes roughly, "But I think I already knew how this would end...Ever since he stopped responding to my messages as often I knew..."

"M-maybe it's not too late. Maybe you ca-"

"He made himself clear." She laughed but it was a self-depreciating one. And with every dry chuckle that left her lips I felt my heart break a bit more."He told me that I reminded him of Lily so he felt really comfortable around me and after talking and getting to know me he did feel something, but in the end he could't like me like I liked him. He apologized for everything. For not making things clear and for being an 'idiot who can't even keep the people closest to him from being hurt'."

"I mean, I don't even know why I'm so upset. It's not like we ever started anything in the first place. In his mind I was just a friend, and it was me who was misinterpreting everything."

"It wasn't just you! Sirius told me how happy James had been since the two of you started talking! He said that he really thought that James was giving a new relationship a go. That's why he-" I quickly bit my tongue as I was about to reveal Sirius' secret. "Why he was so helpful when I was trying to set this whole thing up."

Lola sighed and finally turned to look at me. A sad smile pulled at her lips and her glossy, red eyes found mine in both appreciation and exasperation. She looked so small compared to her usual confident and bold personality.

"I know you're trying to make me feel better but honestly I don't want to talk about this anymore."

She tried to gently shake my hand away, but instead of letting go I simply moved from her wrist and grabbed her hand instead. Even if she didn't want to talk about it anymore, for now, I wanted her to realize that she wasn't here alone through physical contact. Perhaps sensing my reasoning her weak attempts to detach herself from me ended and in silence we headed towards the train station. The entire way Lola didn't say a word except when my stop came and she told me to leave. I wanted to take her all the way home but she promised that she would be fine and that they had school the next day so I should hurry home. That was the last thing on my mind but after a final, and more forceful shove, I relented and watched as the train continued on without me.

"...This sucks..." I grumbled

After getting home I did some damage control by texting Mary and Kat to tell them not to bring up today. Mary and Trent I probably didn't have to worry about prying too much, but Kat was less delicate when it came to things like this. Though I didn't tell them everything that happened I did tell them that it didn't go very well, and to just try not to bring up the topic if they can.

The next day I was surprised when Lola joined us on the train. The reason being was that she was her normal, bossy and assertive self. It was like the night before didn't even happen. When I called her name softly the look she sent me made anything I was going to say die right there. I was stupid to think she was normal. She was anything but normal, and having realized that she was simply pretending made me hurt for her. Thankfully, none of the others brought up yesterday and if Lola realized that I had said something to them she didn't mention it.

At lunch my phone buzzed in my pocket prompting me to take it out but when I saw who it was I froze, much to the curiosity of the others.

"What's up? Something bad happened?" Mary asked.

"No..."

"Who is it? You seem a bit nervous."

I glanced at Lola before looking away, "No one...Besides I shouldn't be using my phone in school."

I didn't know what Sirius wanted but I didn't want to risk anything even if I was curious. Not just about what he want but about the whispers that's been circulating since this morning. Apparently James came to school today with a bruised cheek and Sirius' hand had some bandages around them. Was there some kind of fight after we left? I wonder if Sirius got angry and hit James that night. Well, I'll worry about that later. I had volleyball practice today with my Sports Festival team today so I'll check it then when Lola wasn't around.

"Hey this Friday I hear there's something happening down at Drumstrang! Some kind of parade." Kat suddenly speaks up, "How about we all go? It could be pretty fun."

This was perfect! This was just the thing we needed. A group hangout session! I could kiss Kat right now if I knew she wouldn't hit me with a swift, and very painful gut punch. "I'd be up for it! I don't have anything planned for this Friday. How about you guys? We could even hit up some of the shops, and since it's a parade there are bound to be some interesting side vendors littered around."

Lola wasn't looking too interested in going until I mention doing some shopping, which is exactly why I said it. If she followed the same pattern she did last time she was hit this hard from a break-up she was going to seclude herself in her room and not come out for a while, no matter how lively she was pretending to be out in public.

"We should all go. As soon as school finishes." I kept pressing the idea, surprising them with how forceful I was being since usually I was a pretty go-with-the-flow kind of person. Mary and Trent didn't need much convincing, and after a bit of coaxing Lola finally agreed. When the school day ended we all parted ways. Kat and Trent went back home while the rest of us remained at school. Lola had clubs today while Mary and I had volleyball practice.

"She'll be fine. You don't have to worry about her so much." Mary's voice made be look away from Lola's retreating form.

"I can't help it. You didn't see how she looked last night."

Mary had a troubled look on her face as she answered, "But...I think, if it were me, I would want some time to think about it on my own. To process everything and how I feel. We might only be causing her more stress by forcing her to talk about it right now."

She wasn't wrong. I would probably be the same, and in the past few weeks I've had my share of secrets and hiding things from my friends. But I just couldn't stop myself from wanting to help her, but for now I would relent and give Lola some time. Maybe, Mary was right and I was only adding to her problems. And if I thought about it, treating Lola like a wounded animal wouldn't do any good. Before I knew it talking with Mary had made me see the situation from Lola's prospective and allowed me to think clearly.

"Thanks Mary." I expressed my gratitude with a smile, to which she returned it with one of her own.

Feeling a bit lighter in my chest the two of us continued on. I took this time to check the message Sirius had sent me earlier. He just wanted to check how Lola was doing and to apologize for how things went yesterday. It was a thoughtful gesture and told him that Lola would be fine and just needed some time come to terms with everything. I also thanked him for going along with my plans, even if they did end in failure. After assuring there wasn't anything lost between the two of us I put my phone away just as the gym came into sight. As soon as we opened the door shouts, balls hitting the floor and squeaking shoes hit out ears. I couldn't help but smile. Those were the best combinations of sounds ever. They gym was split in two by a large net that hung from the ceiling. On one side was the basketball team and the other side had two separate volleyball teams warming up. We headed over to our team which had 11 people standing in a circle.

"About time you got here!" Petra grinned as Helen made a mark on the clipboard in her hands, probably marking attendance. "It's a bit late coming but we're finally all here for out first practice together." She clapped her hands together, turning to look at each of us before continuing. "Since some of us don't know each other let's start with a round of introductions. As captain I'll start us of! I'm Petra Russel the captain and libero in this team. Even though I'm only a sophomore and a Hufflepuff don't think that I won't be strict when it comes to practicing! I look forward to kicking butt at the Sports Festival with everyone."

"I'll go next. I'm Helen Stone, middle blocker and the vice captain. Like Petra, I am in Hufflepuff and I'm a junior. Nice to meet you."

It was kind of funny to listen to Helen's rather bland introduction following behind Petra's bubbly one. They were so opposite from one another, practically night and day, and that stark difference prompted a few chuckles from the other girls. We continued around the circle until everyone was introduced. Including Mary, there were two setters, four middle blockers, two liberos, 2 outside and opposite hitters, and a single defensive specialist. There was a mix of houses in the team, but everyone looked pretty nice and eager to start practicing. The team was surprisingly defense heavy. I didn't know much about the skill of the middle blockers, but with them two liberos, three if you counted me, and a defense specialist it was hard to imagine anyone scoring points off of us. Hopefully out scoring power will be able to keep up. And while I was confident in my jumping and spiking ability, I was relieved to have other spikers that were closer to Helen's height.

With introductions over Petra ran us through the days practice. It consisted of warm ups, a list of drills to practice different things and ended with a 3 set match between everyone. Luckily there was enough people for even teams. Through out the practicing I noticed I had become a bit lazy with my form and my jump timing was a little off. I was frustrated but I couldn't be too surprised by that. I haven't had the time to play volleyball as much as I used too. Before I was able to play, at the very least, twice a week but ever since this deal with Tom and working at the clinic I haven't put too much thought into playing. At least with practice being twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, I would at least be able to get back into playing regularly. I really missed being able to play on Sundays, and luckily Mary hadn't been insistent on why I had stopped showing up. Then again, unlike Lola, Mary wasn't one to pry too hard into someone else's problems if she felt that they didn't want to talk about them.

"That was a nice work-out today." Mary's smile stretched across her face while she reached her arms upward until a satisfying 'pop' came from her shoulders. "It was hard trying to match timing with everyone but I think we have a good team."

"I agree. And everyone was really nice and easy to get along with. Hopefully it'll stay that way." My body was sore after today's training but it was definitely a good kind of sore. One that left a giddy feeling in my gut, and made my heart pump in excitement. It's been too long since I felt this way. I think I could have gone for even longer if time had allowed it. For the first time in what felt like forever I was able to relax and let out all of my frustrations. It was like the sweat washed everything away and left me feeling rejuvenated. With how I felt now I could take on two Sundays with Tom and not even bat an eye.

"You're looking a lot better, too. Not counting what happened to Lola you've been looking really stressed lately." She looked up at me, her bangs parting just enough for me to see her kind blue eyes, "I've been worried that you didn't have a way to relieve it since you haven't been coming to play on Sunday anymore."

"...Sorry about that..." I looked down guiltily, but unable to say anything more than that.

"I'm not trying to get you to talk or anything since I figured whatever it is that's keeping you is important." She then grinned, "I'm just happy that I get to play with you again. It just doesn't feel right if you're not the one hitting my sets."

I mirrored her grin and gave her a gentle shove, "Right back at ya."

Wednesday

The next day, after coming to terms that I needed to give Lola room to breath, I felt like the day went by relatively quickly. And seeing that I wasn't breathing down her throat, I could see the relief in her eyes and she her shoulders weren't as tense. On the surface it was like everything was back to normal. She even participated in expanding on the parade plans this upcoming Friday. I was even spared from any awkward gaze crossing with Tom since he was even more preoccupied with the typical groupies than normal. It's not that I was trying to listen, the girls were being so obnoxiously loud, but apparently they were upset and whining about Tom not paying attention to them as much anymore. Seems like he hasn't been accepting their recent invitations to hang out - and who knows what the real definition of hanging out was when it came to them.

Like I said. I wasn't trying to listen, but despite the fact I was still angry with Tom, I did have to bite my tongue to stop my lips from curling upward in a strange sense of superiority I felt.

After school I headed to my last day at the clinic. Earlier in the day I received a message from my dad telling me about the next internship he had lined up for me. It was at a huge pharmaceutical research and development company. Quite the step up from the modest clinic he had me start at. I would be lying if I said I wasn't slightly interested in this new internship he had set up for me. For a long time I was interested in biology, science and human anatomy but it was all in the pursuit of being the optimal volleyball player. I wanted to understand the body and the science of how everything working together. If the body was weak what could you do to make it stronger? What kind of medicine would be the best for the quickest and safest recovery? Really, I'd be more willing if I could intern at an athlete rehabilitation center.

I scoffed at myself as I filed away patient files. "Oh, yeah. Poor you. Being handed all these wonderful opportunities. How dare the world be so unfair? Any normal person would just be thankful." I knocked my head against the filing cabinet and stared at the diamond patterned plush rug under my feet.

When did I become so ungrateful? Or was it that I was starting to be more assertive on what I wanted to do? I don't know. For a long time I was content to just let things happen and play out however they would. If I just listened to my father then everything turned out perfect. I never really had to ask for anything, and the few times I did and he said 'no' I just convinced myself that he was right. That behavior bled into my other relationships with Lola and the others. Only recently did I feel like I was speaking up more, even if it has been more hectic lately.

Realizing I was taking way too long to finish this task, I filed away the rest of the records and hurried back out. There wasn't much longer to go, and after another uneventful hour I was heading on my way. Though not before the staff sent me off with a small gift bag, and a few tears. In the bag was a small photo album of me helping the patients and staff during my time here and an envelope with a message card from everyone and 200 dollars. Technically it was an unpaid internship but they wanted to give me something for my trouble. I have to say though I was against the idea at first I enjoyed working with everyone.

I left for the final time and began my walk back to the train station to head home. Or at least that's what was supposed to happen. Instead, the catalyst that triggered the next series of events collided right into me.