Here's the third chapter! Thanks to all those who have reviewed so far. I honestly didn't expect to get such nice reviews on my first South Park story. I really appreciate it though, so thank you! :-D

Facing the Music

-Stan's POV-

Mom had decided that I was well enough to go to school the next day. My fever had passed in the night. Although, I now had a hefty bruise along my left cheekbone and a black eye.

Kyle headed home shortly after I had eaten. Neither of us were in the mood to play video games after that awkward moment that occurred partway through our homework session.

-Flashback-

"Thanks, Kyle. Really. It was nice of you to stop by … even if it was to drop off Algebra homework."

He grinned. "No problem, Dude. You're my best friend. I wouldn't bail on you when something like that happened."

I wish I could believe that you'd never bail.

I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"Yeah. Cya tomorrow, Stan!"

He raced down the steps and down the street to his own house. His Mom would be pissed if he was late.

Cartman's right. Kyle's Mom is a bitch.

I hurried inside from the cold.

-End of Flashback-

Sighing, I realized there was nothing to hide by battle scars. I smoothed down by bed-head hair and shoved my toque on.

"Stanley! Hurry up! You're going to be late and your Father and I don't have time to drive you if you miss the bus."

I couldn't put it off any longer. I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Mom handed me some toast to eat on the way and my book bag.

"Thanks, Mom."

She touched my bruised cheek gingerly and then smiled fondly at me. "My little Stanley. Be good."

Why is she talking to me like she did when I was eight?

"Uh, sure. Bye!"

I checked my watch and realized I was going to be late. Racing down the icy roads was quite difficult. The wind whipped my already stinging cheek.

I was so relieved to see that the bus hadn't come yet. I saw Kenny first. He looked to be scribbling down last minute answers on his homework assignment. Cartman and Kyle appeared to be arguing.

"Shut up, Jew! I'm big-boned!"

I listened, amused. Maybe this will be a normal day, afterall

As I came into view, they stopped bickering. Kenny even looked up from his homework.

"Uh, hey, guys."

Kyle gave me a grin. "Hey, Dude!"

"Hey, Stan." Was Kenny's greeting. He looked me over before going back to his homework. Kenny wasn't very law-abiding but he knew when to not press someone for details. He was just understanding that way.

Cartman, however, was a completely different story.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't our little fighter. I didn't know you had it in you, Stan."

"Aw, shut up, Cartman. I don't want to talk about it."

Cartman faked offence. "No, seriously, Dude. I didn't know a little pussy like you had it in him."

I was ready to say something, but Kenny saved me the trouble.

"Cartman, lay off him. Try and go one day without being such a fucking dick."

The bus finally comes, burying this awkward moment.

We all line up, Cartman first, Kyle second and Kenny and I following closely behind. Before he gets on, I put a gloved hand on his shoulder. He turns around surprised.

"Thanks, Kenny. I mean it."

He shrugs and looks a bit embarrassed.

"It was nothing. I just know how it feels. That's all."

What's that supposed to mean?

I didn't recall anytime Kenny had gotten into a fight with the school's most popular jock. Pushing it out of my mind, we got onto the bus.

I see Kyle sitting in the back, looking like I believed I did yesterday. If it wasn't my imagination, he looked sick. Since when had he gotten so thin? The bags under his eyes etched worry into my face. I invited myself to sit beside him.

He hadn't noticed that I sat down and if he did, he hid it well. He looked like he was in a daze. Staring out the window at the passing sites.

Taking a deep breath I placed a hand on his arm. I actually managed without freaking out. Why did I feel this way around him?

He turned and looked at me, green eyes wide with surprise.

"Kyle? What's the matter with you?"

He pulled away from my hand and concern. "Nothing. Why does everybody keep asking me what's wrong? Nothing's wrong! I expected it from my Mom but not from you, Stan. Why can't everyone just leave me alone?!"

His expression softens; probably from the shocked look that I'm sure was on my face.

"I'm sorry, Stan. I'm just tired. That's really all."

"Dammit, Kyle! I know that's not it. You never were a good liar. Why won't you trust me enough to tell me? I thought we were best friends. Maybe I can help and-"

"You can help by minding your own business and staying out of mine!"

He cut me off. Kyle never interrupted people. It just wasn't like him.

I turned away, hurt. What happened to my best friend?

I felt a sense of warmth on myshoulder and realized it was Kyle's hand.

"Stan, I'm sorry. You just wouldn't understand."

We arrived at school and I got up and away from him. The friend who thought I wouldn't understand.

Thanks, Kyle. You're a true friend.

The day went as it did everyday. Madison ran up to Kyle, squealing and irritating as usual. As I walked through the hallways, however, I was met with eyes full of respect. Most of it was from the nerds. The kids who were constantly picked on by Eli and his asswipe friends. Some looked a bit scared. I ignored them all. I had too much on my mind already.

Kyle tried all day to get back into my good graces. Did he even realize how much his words hurt me? I pushed him away and tried to focus on what the teacher was droning on about.

At lunch, I noticed Eli wasn't in school. As unusual as it seemed, I didn't care. Not now. The food in the cafeteria actually looked somewhat appealing to my growling stomach but I knew if I tried to get anything down, it would immediately be thrown back up. I had been nauseated with food ever since I tried to eat a sandwich last night. Instead, I bought some apple juice in a can from the vending machine by the doors.

Walking to our usual table, I was stopped by someone grabbing my arm. I turned around.

"Wendy?!"

"Hi, Stan." She said quietly.

Now, this was uncomfortable. "Um, Hi."

She pulled me close to her and whispered in my ear, "can I talk to you?"

"Now isn't a really good time. I-"

"It's important."

The second time I had been cut off today.

I followed her to a secluded table by the windows and we sat down. She put her head in her arms, her black hair making a curtain over her sleeves. She sounded like she was taking deep breaths and trying not to cry.

"Stan, I miss you. Please, please. Give me another chance. I don't know what I did wrong but I'll try harder. I promise!"

I cleared my throat and took her hand in mine.

"Wendy, it's not you, it's me. I know it sounds cliché. But it really isn't you. It is me. I'm really fucked up right now. I just can't be tied down right now. I'm really sorry."

I watched as the girl I once loved broke down. Blue eyes shimmering with tears. I still loved her. But not as I used to. She got up and ran from the cafeteria, a few of her friends following to comfort her.

"I'm sorry, Wendy."

I got up and walked outside into the cold, suddenly not hungry nor caring that I didn't have my coat or gloves on. It just didn't seem to matter right now.