A/N: Whoaaaaa, okay. Reeeaalllly late update. My apologies. x_x severe writer's block. I must also apologize for the very short, very poorly written chapter. And the story is actually wrapping up. I'd say no more than three chapters to go? Ahh, who knows. I appreciate all your lovely reviews and your patience. It's really heartwarming to read all the emails I get c: I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, and hopefully there will be an update soon? No guarantees Dx Enjoy!

Alfred sighed as the last bell of the day rung throughout the school, signaling the end of the week. He didn't know whether or not to feel relieved, or frightened.
Tomorrow was the party. Tomorrow he would be alone.
He ignored the people around him as he walked down the hall slowly, avoiding eye contact with anyone and keeping entirely to himself. He didn't bother to wait for Arthur or Matthew so he could get a ride home; he could walk.
It wasn't like they wanted to go out of their way and give him a ride, anyway.
Matthew had told him earlier that morning that he had some "important matters" to take care of after school, and Alfred had just shrugged it off as usual.
If his brother had some other more important things to do, who was Alfred to stop him just for a ride home?

Arthur stood up and twisted a bit, successfully cracking his back. Satisfied, he picked up his bag from the floor and followed the twenty other students who were leaving the classroom.
Bubbling chatter filled the crowded hallways, kids sharing plans for the weekend, how they did on their math test earlier, or gossiping about the latest news.
He didn't bother to engage in any conversation, because he knew that most people would be talking about Francis's upcoming party.
A party he didn't particularly want to go to, but he had promised his friend he would show up to.

Arthur thought he saw a glimpse of Alfred leaving the building, but was in no mood for a conversation. His friend hadn't been very responsive lately, and he didn't want to fail at trying to get a response out again.

He waved at Matthew, who was talking to Gilbert, and pulled out his car keys; unlocking the doors as he exited the school.

It was strangely empty for a Friday, but then again, most people were still clumped together inside.

Arthur threw his bag in the back of the car before climbing in.

Kicking a pebble as he walked down the sidewalk, Alfred shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans, not paying much attention to his surroundings. The sky was clear, the air warm, and the smell of grass wafted through the air. Most people would say it was a nice day out, perfect for spending time with friends. Alfred would say that it was the perfect day for being reminded that no one wanted to be around him. A year ago, he probably would have been doing what everyone else was doing.

But everything can change in a year.

Alfred laughed regretfully, kicking the pebble so hard that it flew off, somewhere he couldn't see it, and would never find it again.

He was like the pebble, in a way: kicked around, pushed away, never to be seen again. Gone.

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Yeah, of course, Mattie! Can't wait till then!"

Matthew smiled and waved to Gilbert, who then left to go find his brother. Matthew had told his own brother that he had things to do- and he really had to get those done. In the time he had spent talking to Gilbert, the whole building had pretty much cleared out, and only a few people remained, milling about the almost empty hallways. He saw a couple of people in the library, catching up on work, researching, writing essays, or just reading. He had half a mind to join them, but he sighed as he remembered that he had errands to run.

Francis had asked him to pick up a couple of things for the party, and Matthew, being the kind person he was, had agreed- reluctantly, of course.

Luckily, the store was right down the street, and he could pick up what he needed in only a few minutes.

Alfred sunk down onto his bed, burying his face in his hands. The room was dark, and the only light that filtered in was the cast by soft glow from the sun outside, hidden by the dark curtains. The house was dead silent. No one was home. The silence was deafening. It was painful. Alfred wanted to scream, but instead, he took a shuddering breath.

Slowly, he stood up. Crossing the room and opening the door, he walked into the bathroom, not bothering to flip on the lights. In the cover of the complete darkness, he turned the sink faucet on, and splashed cold water on his face.

As he felt the water dripping from his hair onto his shirt, Alfred closed his eyes, gripping the sink. He hung his head, taking a deep breath.

His eyes snapped open as the floor began to shake. The garage door was opening. Someone was home. He darted across the hallway and back into his room, locking the door quietly before whoever was home came to check on him.

Tomorrow, he thought. It's going to be tomorrow.