A/N – thanks everyone for their reviews. Its been a bit of a shitty week here – the rivers surrounding where I live flooded on Tuesday and because of all the roads being blocked, its been taking 2 and a half hours to get home each night :(

But never fear – here's the next chapter – enjoy!

"Julie hey!" Adam called running to catch up with the goalie.

"Oh Hey Adam" Julie answered slowing her pace to talk to him.

"How's the lip?" he asked "You can barely notice it" he added squinting as he pretended to study her mouth.

"Connie and make up are a lethal combination" Julie answered simply allowing a small smile to creep across her face.

"Yeah but Connie and almost anything else make a lethal combination too" Adam joked glad to see Julie relax a little. She'd been so wound up at practice and acting strangely towards Portman.

Julie laughed "I wont tell her you said that. She's just as likely to shoot the messenger too".

Adam smiled and was about to continue the joke when he saw Julie staring at something into the distance, her face turning downcast. Adam turned to see Scooter standing by the main auditorium, a cheerleader nestled against him and Rick Riley in a wheelchair next to them.

"C'mon Jules, lets get out of here" Adam grabbed her arm and gently steered her away.

Julie allowed herself to be led back to the dorm. She was too preoccupied to get herself there. The sight of Riley in a wheelchair was almost too much for her to handle.

I can't believe Portman did that she thought trying to fight the tears that were threatening to spill.

"You want some company?" Adam asked when they reached Julie and Connie's room. It was obvious the Connie had gone out and he wasn't entirely sure that Julie should be alone right now.

Julie nodded "If you don't mind" she answered moving to allow him into the room.

"Of course I don't mind. I'm happy to stay" he replied taking a seat at Julie's desk.

The pair sat in silence for a while. Adam sitting at the desk and Julie sitting on her bed.

"It was weird seeing Riley in a chair" Adam finally commented.

Julie nodded keeping her eyes firmly on the floor.

"It was Portman wasn't it?" Adam asked.

Julie didn't say anything.

"I won't tell anyone. I mean it must've been for a good reason though. Portman never does that much damage to anyone unless they hurt someone he loves first" Adam continued not realising the effect of his words.

Julie just nodded her head as if she was agreeing with him. It was the only way she could think of get Adam to drop it.

Adam thought for a moment for something to say when he heard Julie sniffle. He turned to look at her and he saw the tears falling down her cheeks.

"Aw Julie" he said going over to sit next to her on the bed. "It's gonna be okay. You'll see" he said putting his arm around her shoulder.

Julie said nothing as she allowed Adam to pull her in towards him, resting her head on his shoulder. He told her he was there for her as long as she needed to. She took him up on the offer and remained in his arms until the tears eventually stopped.

Part of her wished that it was Dean's arms she was in and that everything was perfect between them. She'd have to overcome this fear eventually, she realised, but at the moment she just needed some time.

………………………………………………………….

Portman sat on his bed staring at the blank sheet of paper in front of him. He had no idea where to start.

She wont talk to me. I have to let her know I'm sorry somehow. He thought lifting his pen and placing the tip on the page.

Dear Julie…………………. He began.