It was lunchbreak, at the highschool. Half of the kids and staff were out of the schoolgrounds, having taken their friends out in their cars, and gone out for lunches, or walked down to the fields or other loungeable areas. Others were grouped into the cafeteria, hallways, and library. Outside, around the school walls, a few enjoyed the sunshine. In a secluded corner, one of those people, happened to be none other than young Tyler Mullins. The lynx was sitting on a sturdy crate, reading over a textbook and some sheets. Usually, he would be in the cafeteria, with his group of friends... but today, he just felt 'cold' inside the school... it was strange, considering it was average temperature, not hot or cold. So he was outside, trying to warm up in the glowing rays of heat. Also, he had a chemistry test for the last class of the day, to do some last studying for, and he knew that his friends all talking and goofing off around him, wouldn't help him concentrate... so he thought he'd made a wise decision. He crunched on a large carrot stick, as he stared at the mind-numbing information, and sighed to himself. *-Well... at least it's not BIOLOGY!* he assured himself. Biology was his most dreaded science course, for many reasons... A few would be... one... it involved certain fields that Tyler wished he could steer FAR from... two... it was his poorest grade class... and three... because of how his father Sir Urquhart kept 'preaching' about it. He kept telling his son, "-Tyler, if you're going to carry on our family position, you've GOT to pull yourself together!" Biology is one of the most IMPORTANT classes you can take, in preparation for this!" What Urquhart didn't know was, that Tyler didn't WANT to carry on the "family position". Surprisingly enough, he was actually VERY twitchy and uneasy, when it came to "internal" matters. For as long as he could remember, his father used to get him to assist or observe when he was doing something. And every single time, Tyler could remember taking just ONE look at the blood, wound, or whatever, and end up either out cold, on the floor, or throwing up like a cocker spaniel. He couldn't help it... that's just how his brain reacted to the situation. He would've given almost anything to change that... mostly because, certain times, he felt like he was letting his father down. Before him, there had been three generations of Royal physicians. His father, Sir Urquhart, his grandfather, Sir Theophilus, and great-grandfather, Sir Archelaus. How Tyler himself fit into their family tree, he didn't understand. It just didn't make any sense. He felt like such a throwback, a misfit, a real screwball, sometimes... Just then, his thoughts were interrupted, by a door banging open, nearby, and slamming shut. The lynx looked up to see young Vera Prower rush out. The distressed vixen threw her books and bag to the ground, and leaned against the wall, putting her face in her hands. She was obviously crying. WHY she was, was not totally evident... Slightly glad for the excuse to stop studying, Tyler slowly shut his book. Vera hadn't noticed him yet. For a moment he wondered if he should just keep his mouth shut. After all... girls in an emotional state wasn't a very 'safe' place to get into... But then again, Vera was Lewis's sister, Rockavar's (ex) girlfriend, and his friend. He then decided to try and help her. "-Hey... Vera." The vixen lowered her hands, from her fresh teary eyes, to see Tyler sitting there. She immediately looked rather embarrassed that he was seeing her like this. "-Oh!" ..Tyler-" she gasped. In vain, she tried to wipe her eyes dry, hoping he hadn't seen. "-I... I didn't know you were here... I'm sorry for-" "-Nonono, it's okay, Ver... you didn't do anything wrong," Tyler insisted. Vera wrapped her arms around herself, blushing and slightly sniffling. "-I'm sorry, nonetheless." The lynx passed his tongue over his lips. He looked at her just standing there, looking all lost and forlorn, and finally, he just broke. "-Hey... you wanna... sit?" He motioned next to him, on the crate. Vera blushed. "-Ermm.. well... no, I couldn't-" she reluctantly considered. Tyler moved over a bit. "-Yeah you can... it's okay... don't be shy." It's just 'me'." ..Come on... I won't bite ya," he promised. The vixen slightly smiled, and at last, gave in. She slowly took a seat beside him. "-Thanks." "-No prob," said Tyler. For a moment or two, they remained in a deafening silence. At last, being the extremely curious person he was, Tyler asked, "-Are you okay?" Vera looked aback at the question. "-Yeah... I'm fine," she insisted. "-Why do you ask?" The lynx rubbed his neck, uneasily. "-Well... y'know... you were all... 'that'... a minute ago... and I was just wondering... if there was something wrong?" The vixen paused, not sure of how to respond to him. "-I... well... umm-" she started, but then lost her nerve. "-It's nothing." Tyler looked at her. "-Vera... I know I'm usually the "talky-won't-shut-up" one... but I can listen too... if you've got something bothering ya.. you can tell me." She absentmindedly twisted a lock of hair, considering the matter. *-Should I tell him?"* Perhaps it WOULD be better, to get it out, to someone-*, she thought. "-But I-" She then looked straight at him. His ocean deep eyes showed genuinuance, compassion, and sincerity. Not only that, but he was her friend... she then KNEW... she could trust him. "-Alright... I'll... I'll tell you what I can," she agreed. Tyler gave her a respectful nod. "-I'm all ears, Vera." Vera took a deep breath, and started to explain. "-It's... it's just these last few days... I've been... running into... into... Rockavar," she forced herself, to speak his name. "-And I... well you know how I'm not supposed to be seeing him... I'm TRYING to keep away from him... I mean... I need some 'restraint' here, if I'm going to 'get over' him!" Tyler nodded, understandingly, as she continued, "-But he... he just keeps TRYING to find me... and it usually works!" She gave a remorseful sniffle. "-He wants to sit and talk with me... and I just CAN'T!" Every second, I'm just dreading the next words that'll come out of my mouth... because I KNOW I'm gonna say something horrible to him!" I'm sitting there, thinking, *Oh Rockavar, you big lug, why do you make me say these awful things to you and HURT you like this??*!" I HAVE to keep blowing him off, if I expect to keep him at a 'distance'!" And at the same time, it's tearing me inside out, at the terribleness of it all!" This just ISN'T me!!" And now... I think I can honestly say... that I'm on the verge of a nervous 'breakdown'!" howled Vera, bursting into new tears. Tyler felt awful, just looking at her, like this. Before he knew what he was doing, his arm was around her back, and a hand on her shoulder. "-Nooo... don't say that Vera... that's not true," he insisted. Vera gulped, gasping out, "-God, I'm such an IDIOT!" Everything's such a horrible MESS... and it's all my fault!" Getting even more worked up badly, Vera suddenly 'threw' herself at the lynx, clinging tightly to his shoulders, sobbing wildly. Tyler gulped and thought to himself, *Man... why do girls always gotta be so 'huggy'??* However, he then just gave in, and put his hand back on her shoulder, gently stroking her hair. He soothingly spoke words of reassurance, that it wasn't her fault, everything would be okay, she'd be alright. And in 'such' a way, Vera meekly looked at him tearfully, yet hopeful, and said, "-You... you really think so?" Tyler nodded, "-Of course!" I mean... look at you!" How could you NOT be okay?" You're... amazing, Vera." Vera softly smiled. "-Tyler... I... I'm speechless." I mean... thank you!" You are just... you're... 'great'." Great, and just so... sweet!" Then, a different look came over Vera, who continued, "-I... I can't believe I never noticed that... before." Tyler's mouth slightly dropped. *-Wait a sec... what's with that 'look' and voice 'tone'?? She's not trying to.... IS she?? ...Honestly... WHERE is she GOING with that??* The young lynx's instinct was correct. For then, it happened. Vera, with her arms still around Tyler's shoulders, slowly leaned closer to his face, closed her eyes... and pressed her lips against his mouth... KISSING him. If the young vixen hadn't been so into the 'moment', she would've noticed how 'rigid' and stiff in muscle he'd gone, and that while they were kissing, his eyes were wide OPEN with utter shock and bewilderedment. When she finally stopped, Tyler was a trifle paler in the face, and his eyes less wide-eyed. Vera beamed at him, with content. "-Thank you again, Tyler," she said softly. "See you." Then she got up, gathered her things, and was gone. As soon as Vera disappeared, naturally, Tyler did the thing he was always good at in reaction to an awkward situation like that. He swiftly keeled over, passing out cold. He didn't come to, until the bell rang, ending lunch. He woozily stirred, then realizing he'd be late if he didn't hurry, he snatched up his stuff, and sprinted off towards the gymnasium.



Later, in gym class, during a basketball game, he was still thinking about his recent experience. Unfortunately for him, at that moment he was lost in thought, a team mate chose to pass him the ball. With Tyler not paying attention to catch it, the ball whacked him in the head. He yelped in pain out, and fell to the ground. Everyone immediately rushed over to his aid. "Tyler!" "Are you ok?" "Where does it hurt?" "You alright man?" "Can you see straight?" "How many fingers am I holding up?" they all spoke at once, trying to help. Tyler groaned, holding the throbbing side of his head. "-I'm fine, I'm ok... owww... it's just my head." The gym teacher, Coach Sparks, a large male German Shepard, said, "-That was quite a blow you took there, son." Maybe you should get checked to make sure you don't have a concussion." "-No, that's ok, Coach... I'll be alright," his student insisted. The teacher, twisted his lip, considering the matter. "Well... if you say so, Mullins." But I insist that you at least take a fifteen minute break on the sides, to recover." "-Okay," agreed Tyler. Coach Sparks hauled the shaking lynx up to his feet, and gave a reassuring pat on the back. "You've got some brute strength in ya, kid, if I say so myself." Tyler gave a small smile, to show his thanks, and then asked, "-Could I quick go to the bathroom, sir?" The coach nodded, "Go right ahead, Mullins." Take your time." "-Thanks," responded Tyler, and walked off. His friends watched as he left. Bullseye shook his head. "-Man!" Now I KNOW something's eating him." Michael scratched his head. "I don't get it..." Was it something HE did, or WE did, I mean what's going on?" Buckthorne shrugged. "Who KNOWS?" Aaron set his jaw. "-I don't know about YOU guys, but I'm gonna go find out... he's my best friend, and I for one, wanna help him out, if he needs it!" With that said, he started off in towards the changeroom. It took a second for the others to follow him. "Hey, Aaron wait up!" "Whoa, hold a sec!" "Yo, no WAY you guys are leaving ME behind!"

In the changeroom, Tyler dazedly stumbled over to a mirror. He blankly stared at himself for several seconds. Then he went into a washroom stall, and closed the door behind. Tyler numbly kneeled down, over the toilet seat. He gripped the edges, and looked at his reflection in the murky, contaminated water in the bowl, for a minute or two. Then, out of nowhere, it just happened. In a quick burst, Tyler threw up.