Chapter Two: The Return of an Old Friend

I scared Spinner away, and thank God I did: there had been an uncomfortable silence stretching between us, and I really couldn't deal with that. Though, contrary to belief, I am not and will never be subjected to a "dumb blonde" again. That part of me was lost when I walked up that unknown staircase behind Dean.

Whenever thoughts of him arose, Alex had always been very good at averting my attention to something happier; she'd either change the topic with witty sarcasm, or she'd just kiss me. But, our location reflected her method of distraction, as did the time of day and who was or wasn't with us at that particular moment.

Unfortunately, I was ripped from my memories and plastered back to the present, by a set of hands cupped over my eyes.

"Guess who?" That voice sounded so familiar to me, it did. But, I couldn't place my finger on it. Though, I heard Ashley giggle.

"Come on, Paige. Who haven't you seen in forever?"
"Hazel?" I wanted to say Alex – I almost did.
"Try again." The voice chirped. So, I pursed my lips, sighing.
"Uh… Heather Sinclair?"

"Eew," Cooed the voice.
"Agreed," Ashley mused.
"I give up," Taking the hands off my eyes; I turned around, weakly smiling. I was almost speechless. "T-Terry? Wow, hun: you look… amazing." She enveloped me in an embrace.

"Sorry you lost Alex. He-"

"She," I corrected.
"Oh… She must've meant a lot to you."

"The world, actually," I confirmed.
As tears began to reform in my eyes, I bit my lip, holding back a sob. I've never felt more vulnerable in my life.
"Paige, don't cry." Terry cooed softly to me, and Ashley rubbed my back.
"You'll be okay." Ashley chimed in. Sure, they might have known about my relationship with Alex, but no one knew its full extent, except Alex, Marco, and I.

Though, through their comforting embraces and kind words, Terry and Ashley had guided me to my car, where Marco was waiting. Wiping at my tears, Terry let go of me, and Ashley was leading her away. Honestly, I never thought I'd see Terry again, but I'm glad I did.

Nervously I crossed my arms over my chest, inhaling deeply. "Marco, I'm sorry… I didn't mean to snap at you, and I, uh…"

"I know you didn't mean it, Paige." He replied, as my voice trailed off. I opened my mouth to voice my reply, but my voice wasn't there, so he continued. "But, sooner or later, you're going to have to move on. I know it's hard, I do."

Truth be told, he was right, and I was completely speechless. "As much as I hate to admit defeat, you're right, hun." The slight smile tugging at his lips proved contagious; and I smiled.