"I feel so alone
I feel so cold"

Cece watched from her locker as the school buzzed past her. The world was going on, leaving her alone in the dust it made as it sped away from her at such a speed. She had no idea when her life had began to slow to the point where it was halted if not going backwards. That wasn't true. She could pinpoint the exact moment, she just didn't know when it had intensified.

The bell seemed to sound, but Cece couldn't be sure because she couldn't remember hearing it. People were rushing past her, trying to get to their next lesson and not be late. Cece remembered when she was like that; the biggest worry was getting yet another detention.

She picked the appropriate book out for her next lesson – English – and started to move towards her designated classroom. She knew she was going to be late... the teacher had probable already started taking the register but she couldn't find it within her to care.

Eventually she made it to class, finding out that they were going to be writing a short prose about what they were feeling.

The lights are off; it is dark in here.
I'm in the dark. And I'm alone. And I'm cold. And I'm scared.
I can't remember what the light looks like. I can't remember how to smile. I can't remember anything past the opaque black that I'm surrouned by.
The lights are off; there is vast dark in here.
I can't help but drown.

Cece looked at her work. She wrote exactly what she was feeling and nothing at all. Tears entered her eyes as she looked at the paper that showed just who she was now. She pushed her eyes closed as she thought of another piece of prose to write in the last couple of minutes left.

Sometimes we are fine. Sometimes we hurt.
These two lines blur far and few between until nobody can tell if you are fine or hurting.
The hardest part is not always distinguishing them in other people but just seeing the difference of them in yourself.
I say I'm fine, but I'm hurting; I say I'm hurting, but somehow I'm fine.
They blur and even I can't tell the difference.

Cece found herself not paying attention in rehearsal and when the break came, Cece didn't realise at first. The dancers cleared off the stage and she just watched. She looked at the floor, and the area and found herself hating it. Dancing, which had once brought her such joy, caused her nothing but pain now.

She walked to the side and sat with her belongings, just staring at the people surrounding her. She was self-centred and had never really took the time to care for those around her.

Kyle was flirting with Jane – when did that happen?

Gary was talking on his phone, whispering angrily at his wife.

Rocky was... Rocky was giving Cece evils, not even looking embarrassed when Cece caught her.

Lauren was practising the dance steps time and time again.

Gunther was looking concernedly at her before turning away when she caught him. He was hurting.

Tinka was standing close to him. They were giggling and Cece automatically understood the way they were acting. Mimicking her own behaviour just a couple of months previous.

Cece turned away, wincing slightly. A mixture of feelings rushed over her body. What should she do? Should she even do anything? What had Tinka ever done for her? Even Tinka didn't deserve the same fate as she! How could she tell anybody though? Wasn't it her fault anyway... she hadn't exactly fended him of when she had the chance? She didn't know what he'd do though, did she? Maybe she had known all along? Did Tinka know at all?

She was left wondering as Gary called the rehearsal off due to his needing the rush home.

"Gunther, can I talk to you?" Cece asked as she cornered him just outside the canteen.

"What do you want Cece? You made it well known that I'm not wanted by you!" Gunther asked, attempting to move around her and avoid eye contact.

"Look, I know I hurt you. I really didn't mean to! I care for you, I truly do, Gunther, I just can't be in a relationship. I don't like you in that way!" Cece couldn't get the pleading out her voice. She missed her once only friend. The way the glance of happiness came so naturally with him. She wasn't lying though when she said she couldn't handle a relationship – yes, she may have deeper feelings than just friendship, but she didn't really know because she was too messed up.

"I know, you made that clear..."

"This isn't about us or our friendship, though. I need to speak to you about Tinka... she had been spending large amounts of time with Jeremy, the new dancer at Shake It-"

"I know. Why do you think I don't get to see her?"

"Look, I know, but... but... but I don't think he is a good guy. I've heard things about him; nasty rumours that if they are true at al-"

"Tinka is a big girl, as she reminds me frequently. She can look after herself." Gunther sounded disgruntled and once more tried to get round Cece and leave the conversation behind.

"You have no reason to trust me – I get that. However, don't let your resentment get in the way of anything. Tinka is your sister, no matter what. If the things about... about him are true, then Tinka doesn't stand a chance, no matter how much she can look after herself. Just... just keep an eye out for her? Make sure she isn't alone for long with him, okay?" Cece looked Gunther directly in the eye. He nodded, understanding that Cece was trying to help; and she didn't even like Tinka.

Cece looked at him for a moment before turning away and walking away from him – her mission was completed and now she could go back to not giving a damn about anybody else's pain other than hers.

"There was a chill
There was a sound"

Song - There Was a Whisper – Bang Gang