A/N:…… aw man, now I feel too sad to be happy about writing 5 chapters in a row… :'(

Chapter 5: Meltdown

I watched the curtains of the room cubicle close. I didn't know what to do. I was too physically, and emotionally, broken. Then suddenly, Dr. Kadowaki came in, and she swung her hands to her head. "AIIIEEE! Why are you sitting up! Bend down, or you won't heal properly!" she cried. A bit frightened, I lied down. Dr. Kadowaki sighed in relief, then left.

A few days went by, and I was starting to get bored. Irvine and (sometimes) Selphie came to visit regularly, while the rest of my friends just came occasionally. There was one day when Rinoa and (surprisingly) Squall visited me. Rinoa sat on the chair Jessica had been, while Squall just leaned against the wall.

"We brought you Lunch!" said Rinoa, giving me a package. I opened it, and saw hot dogs. "Whoa! Thanks!" I said, and gobbled down for the first time in days. Well of course, I did eat, but face it, the Infirmary food is HORRIBLE… Squall just shook his head at my bad table manners. "Slow down. Or Dr. Kadowaki's gonna have to deal with more than a few broken bones." he groaned. I merely shrugged, and finished my lunch.

"Hey how are you doin'? Rinoa asked. "Well, I'm not supposed to sit up, plus every time I move I feel a sharp pain." I answered. "But you're sitting up right now." Squall pointed out. "I know, but how am I gonna eat?" I pointed back. Squall just rolled his eyes, and looked out the window. "A sharp pain? Oh, poor you!" Rinoa cooed, as if she had no idea what Squall had said. "Come on, it's not that bad." I said. Squall then started to laugh softly. I eyed his suspiciously. "What's so funny?" I asked. "Oh nothing." he answered. My squint of suspicion grew worse, so Squall just explained. "You know Jessica Himiko, that girl that was with Seifer?" he asked. WAS? What did he mean 'was'? "Yeah…"I answered. "She left. Because of a certain person….." Rinoa gave Squall the stink eye, and scratched him. "YEOW!" Rinoa looked at my blank expression. "Zell?" she asked softly. "Can I have a moment alone…. Please." I said. Squall and Rinoa slipped away quietly. As soon as they were gone, I yelled out of frustration and hurt, and buried my face in my pillow.

Two days later, I could finally walk out of the Infirmary. It seemed as if the interior of Balamb Garden was new to me, even though I had been in the Infirmary for two weeks. I was still emotionally broken, ad my friends noticed. I was less friendly to others, and I was depressed. Finally, We all headed to the Cafeteria to talk. "Zell…. We've been noticing your behavior, and we're worried…" said Quistis. "Behavior! What the hell do you mean?" I snapped. "Well, it's not like you to be like… Squall." said Selphie. "I'm not like Squall! Who said I was like Squall!" I said. OK, Selphie did, whatever. "Look Zell, We're just wondering what's wrong." said Irvine. I didn't respond, but instead, I stood up. "It's nothing." I replied, and left them.

That was a lie…. it wasn't nothing. The girl that I loved leaving me, and my friends slowly slipping away…. that wasn't nothing. I went to my room, slammed and locked the door shut, the sat on my bed, crying.

One Saturday, I finally decided that my depression was causing the problem, so I headed to Balamb to try and be cheerful. To keep myself friendly, I said 'Hi' to every person, even a dog taking a leak on a fire hydrant (eww…)! Still, I was depressed inside. So I left Balamb with no luck. As I drove, I spotted the very part of the beach where I had taken Jessica, and decided to visit it. I sat on the very spot I had been, and watched the sunset once more. Then suddenly, I heard a voice behind me. A familiar voice…..

"I guess I'm not alone." I turned around, and couldn't believe my eyes. "Jessica?" I stumbled up, and we looked at each other for a while. Jessica then looked around nervously, then gave a small wave. "H-hi…" she said nervously and quietly. I then put my hand on my hip. "I thought you didn't want to see me ever again in your life?" I asked. Jessica looked down, and held her arm. "I uh…. have to talk to you." she replied softly.

We then sat at the very spots we were days ago, not looking at each other. "You know…. Ever since I left Balamb Garden… I've been visiting this spot.." said Jessica. I didn't reply. "I got a part-time job in Balamb… I help run the Convenience store." Jessica continued. She then sighed. "It's been kinda quiet… since I left. Hasn't it?" she asked. I just nodded. Jessica's shoulders drooped. "Come on, talk to me." she said. I then spoke. "It's hard to…. considering you left me in pieces." I answered. Jessica put her hand over her collar. "I was in pieces too! I was so upset, I broke up with Seifer!" she said. I looked at her. "You don't get it. I was in pieces…. Because you were the only girl I truly loved." I answered. I stood up, ignoring Jessica's shock. I then got into the car, and drove away.

'Some things… are hard to mend….'