CHAPTER 9

Jimmy POV

I couldn't believe it. Manny had completely ditched me for Craig. God, I was an idiot. I had dumped a great girl to be alone, pining for Manny. I was playing basketball, cursing myself, when I saw a dark figure huddled alone by the front doors. Whoever it was, they were shaking and most likely crying. I was curious so I walked over. As I got closer, I realized it was Ellie. She was sobbing, and there was a puddle of blood nearby.

"Ellie?" I asked.

She sobbed harder and pulled up her sleeve. I saw a huge cut on her arm.

"Ellie, we have to get you to a hospital." I said quickly.

"No, I'll be fine." She sobbed, and tried to leave, but she fell to the ground first.

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Ellie POV

I woke up in a hospital room and was instantly in a panic.

"Where am I? I have to leave!" I shrieked to a lingering nurse.

The nurse did her best to calm me down, saying that I could leave as soon as I was authorized to, and that my friend stayed with me, and did I want to see him.

"What friend?" I said.

Just then, Jimmy walked in. Why was he here?

"Hey." He said.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Um, some people would just thank me." He said.

"What?" I asked.

"I took you to the hospital." He replied.

"Oh. Thanks." I said.

"So...when did you start cutting?" he asked.

I just stared at him. I didn't need to answer all these personal questions.

"Okay. Well, I called Sean. He should be here any minute." He said.

"You called Sean?" I cried.

I rolled my eyes and sank back on the bed.

"What? He's your boyfriend, right?" He asked.

"No, he's not." I snapped.

"Sorry." He replied.

I looked away, and I felt his hand on my shoulder. It was warm and dry.

"I'm glad you're okay." He said softly.

"I tried to stop. Cutting, I mean. But after Sean and I..." I trailed off.

Jimmy was looking at me, concerned.

"Ellie. Hey." Sean said.

I looked over to the doorway, and Sean came running to me. I let him hug me and let the tears flow. As I looked over, I saw Jimmy leave the room.

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Sean POV

As soon as Jimmy had called me, I rushed to the hospital. Since we broke-up, we hadn't spoken, but I kind of figured that she was still cutting. I just had no idea it had gotten this bad. I was so freaked out, I was still shaking from the shock.

"Ellie, you scared me so bad." I said.

"Sorry." She replied.

She wiped her eyes and sniffed.

"Listen, Ellie. After you get out, you should check out some treatment centers." I said.

Ellie's soft smile instantly went away and she pulled away from me.

"I'm fine." She replied.

"Ellie! You're clearly not fine!" I shouted.

"I'm fine." She repeated.

Just then, Ashley ran in.

"Ellie, how are you?" She asked.

She was panting, as if she had been running. Her eyes darted over to me and narrowed.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

"I don't know." I replied.

I headed for the door when Ellie's voice stopped me.

"Sean." She pleaded.

Ashley quickly guessed what was happening and excused herself to go to the waiting room.

"I need to talk about... why we broke up." Ellie said.

"Okay." I said.

"Listen, after, we...did it, I was really freaked out. I'm sorry." She said.

I gently stroked her hair and bent down to kiss her.

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Craig POV

I had only been going out with Manny for a few days, but I already missed Kate. She was fun and random, yet she knew me really well, despite the fact we met only a few weeks ago. But I ruined it. She had JT now. And it drove me crazy. JT touching her, kissing her, maybe doing more than that. I decided to go to her house and get my friend back. I pulled up to her house in my car. As I approached the door, I heard Kate's laugh. Then I heard JT's laugh. I sighed, stepping back. Then I changed my mind and knocked. I needed to make peace with both of them. Kate quickly answered the door. She looked beautiful and I couldn't help but stare.

"Craig. What's up?" she asked.

"I wanted to apologize. For what I did. But I know, you have JT now, and you're over it, so I was wondering if we be friends." I said.

Kate bit her lip and looked behind her.

"Do you want to come in and hang out?" she asked.

I nodded and followed her inside. JT was sitting on the couch drinking a soda and froze when he saw me. The faint smile on his face when I entered the room was suddenly a frown. Kate noticed this and gave him a LOOK.

"Um, Craig's going to be staying over for a while." Kate said.

"Sure." JT said.

I guessed Kate wore the pants in the relationship.

"Sit down." Kate said.

I sat down in a chair next to the couch, as Kate sat with her legs draped over JT's lap. Kate smiled at me.

"We were just talking about how Raditch ripped his pants today." She said.

I laughed and we all settled in to a comftorable conversation.

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Kate POV

I was surprised myself when I forgave Craig so quickly. But, I think I was over him. JT was very sincere and sweet, and I was glad we got together. I guess I could do the friends thing. But I don't know how long I could be friends with Manny.

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