Hey guys! Here is the next chapter. I'm gonna start updating on weekends because I really need to focus on my school right now. Because I have a lot more work to do than last semester, so yeah. There are only like three chapters left! Thank you so much for all of you who have continued reading this! Sometimes I wonder who reads these A/N's lol.

Disclaimer: I'm not Rick…. We've been over this so many times. Like this is the eleventh. Seriously.

Chapter 11: The Second Biggest Cliffhanger after Mark of Athena

Line Break

It's been weeks since I've seen Katie since before Thanksgiving break. It's been two weeks since Thanksgiving. I've asked around but no one knows, and Connor always forgets to ask when he's with Miranda. And whenever I'm near Miranda doesn't talk to me, so she obviously knows what's going on. There's two more weeks of school left before Christmas break and she hasn't done the schoolwork, so she should be failing. I mean, it's senior year and all the important stuff happened last year but if she doesn't get all the credits, she'll be behind.

Woah woah woah. Why am I worrying about Gardener? We're not friends anymore. I told her to get out of my life. I told her to get out of my life. I still can't believe I said that to her. I was the biggest jerk a guy could ever be to his best friend, which is like the biggest jerk of the century. Honestly, we were just one step away from being something else and we ruined it. Both of us made the mistakes, she riled me up and I said that horrible, nasty sentence. The one thing I wish I never would have said in my whole, entire, life. So yeah, of course I'm worrying about her. I love her. I mean loved. Because I don't think yelling at someone to get out of your life is something you would say to a loved one.

The final bell rings and I head to the car. I see Miranda standing by Connor and her car, saying goodbye with a kiss. My heart pangs with guilt that Katie and I could be doing that now. So I walk over as they say goodbye to get some information out of Miranda.

"Miranda," I say pleadingly. She gets in the car but as she closes the door I catch it with my good hand.

"Goodbye, Travis." she growls. I still don't let go of the door and she glares at me. "What're you doing?"

"Why doesn't Katie come to school anymore?" I bit my lip, a nervous habit I've picked up from Katie, and look at her with pleading eyes. At least I hope that's what it looks like, because it feels like that on the inside. Her glare softens and she sighs.

"Why do you think she doesn't come to school anymore?"

"I don't know Miranda! Why can't you just tell me why she doesn't come anymore?" I say, exasperated.

"Because, Travis. You told her to get out of your life. Doesn't that include school?" I grit my teeth in pain. There's so much pain.

I remember when I saw her in the cafeteria that first day back, and the anger I felt towards her. I remember the way her face got read and she pulled her hood down just as she was about to cry. Because I glared at her. The pain stabs me again, the guilt.

"I didn't mean it, Miranda. You have to know I didn't."

"Don't tell me Travis. Tell Katie that."

"Will she even, talk to me?" I gulp.

"I don't know. You broke her heart Travis. You were her best friend." I broke her heart. The pain stabs me so hard and it's hard to stand. I feel the tears coming and I bite my lip and blink. I'm not a crier. Okay, I'm kidding nobody. I can cry. Men can cry and it's okay. But I'm not gonna cry now.

"Travis, I know you both cared for each other. Your stupid brother is the one who could see it. Don't tell him I said that." She leans her head on the steering wheel of the truck, and sighs again.

"Travis, you guys just need to talk it out. She rarely comes out of her blanket fort and she hasn't talked to anyone except me for the past few weeks. I'm surprised my dad hasn't come knocking to beat you up for breaking his daughter." I gulp again, this time in fear. I wouldn't be surprised if he did. I mean, he's chill and all, but I could see him doing that.

"Just try and talk to her. Not over the phone, or texting, or any of that crap. Come over, go down there, bring some type of peace offering and talk it out. Please. For everyone." She looks up with pleading eyes. "I need to go, Travis. But seriously, talk to her." I nod silently, and take my hand away from the door to run a hand through my hair. "Bye.

Hooo. Deep breath Travis. Here goes nothing. Oh who am I kidding? This could be frickin everything! I pause, my hand hovering above the door.

I decided to wait a few days to think about what I have to say to Katie, because I have so much to say. So, so much. I'm confessing my feelings for Katie, and I'm so freaking nervous! I don't think I could be any more nervous than I am right now. Some people say guys don't get nervous, well people, they do. And I am one of those guys. I feel like I could throw up right now, but not really. Like just kinda nauseous, but it could happen.

I have a plate of monster cookies in one hand, I remember Katie said she liked them. I think we made them once. Maybe it was that night a few weeks ago, when I got hit the second time. Hey! I remembered something! Maybe the rest of them will come back again. I take another deep breath and knock on the door.

Miranda told me to come on a day when their dad was at work, so that in case any yelling happened there wouldn't be any questions. So here I am, with a plate of cookies in my hand, pale from nervousness, and about to confess my feelings to my best friend. Miranda opens the door and smiles.

"Hey Travis!"

"Hey Miranda." I say nervously. It comes out at least an octave higher and my eyes widen as my face turns red.

"Aww, Travis. Come on in and sit on the couch. I want to talk to you first." I nod and sit on the living room couch across from her.

"I can tell you're very nervous." I gulp and nod. "I can understand that. I want to let you know that I think you are very brave for doing this. It's a good thing you came today because she was talking to me earlier, and she opened up on how she was feeling. She's very hurt, so be careful. She was able to do so without crying, so that's a step up from a few weeks ago." Guilt stabs me again and I grit my teeth.

"I think that this could go well, I really hope it does, and I'll be praying for you both. Katie needs you Travis. She really does. And I think you need her too." I nod, and then I hear steps behind me.

"I don't need him Miranda." I hear Katie growl from behind me. I turn around and see a red faced, messy haired, One-Direction-t-shirt-and-joggers clad Katie. And the red wasn't because she'd been crying. She was mad.

Don't kill me! This cliffhanger is all part of the story, and the next chapter is coming out soon! Maybe tomorrow!Or should I make you wait a week... Review!