At least, today I didn't go to school.

I didn't need to ditch or to think of how to escape classes every time or bear with Stacia Miller whenever she tries to flirts with me, forcing me to go and present her with white rosebuds again. That I didn't need to impress Ms. Machado in her art class and that I didn't need to worry about Mr. Robins' life or know whenever he'll pop up.

But, it's really weird for me to walk around, side to side, in circles.

For one moment, my feet will walk themselves to the door as my sweaty hand will make a grab for the doorknob and open it. But then, I'll shake my head and close the door as I sigh and continue to walk back and forth.

Like now.

I slam the door with small force and there it shuts gently. I didn't want to bother my neighbours and everyone who might think I'm out of the usual.

It's because I guess I'm really out of the usual.

Because even though that I know that this is all the big misunderstanding and I know Ever knows it too (but she denies it), I can't help but feel down, you know. Because for someone who just left a parking lot full of red tulips to his girlfriend who keeps sobbing hard and who keeps on wishing that he disappear so that she can feel normal again, well, obviously, I'm the bad guy.

I should've comforted her more, instead of leaving her with a bunch of red tulips that can suffocate her–I should have not blabbered about it. I mean, there's a lot of ways to make her notice me but heck, I should've thought through more on how and tried not to reveal those things to her.

Oh, but it appeared I still did that, eh?

I took a deep, calming breath, paused my ranting and sat on my chair. In that way, I tried to relax myself and ease my fears, even though it's my mental part that needs resting.

My head hurts, but it's nothing compared to my heart that sores. We both know it's temporary and such, but my heart is selfish and keeps doing things its way. I'm hurt.

So, what pretty much made my day are my mourning, sleeping, drinking, painting cycle of activities. What? That's what most humans do when they feel broken-hearted, right?

By the time I figured out it is going-home-time for everyone; I got up from my bed, went to fill my extras and drove away in my car. The sky seems to be so dull, instead of its usual, clear and happy atmosphere in this time. But, I figured out it must be my imagination.

I stopped the car and banged my head on the steering wheel. I know I shouldn't be doing this kind of things that can make people think I'm stalking someone but, I can't live a day without seeing her. I made my mind and climbed out of my car.

"Hey, what was that?"

I heard Miles say and Ever mumbled, "Nothing."

I'm grateful that besides from seeing her face, I even heard her voice. I really prayed hard so that I might catch even a glimpse of her, but God gave me more and I am really happy.

With that, I'm satisfied to the point I even hum a tune as I ended the week looking right for her.

I originally planned for a date but, I guess I could go alone.

The time for snow and snowmen has come. I can still remember how I was naughty during my childhood that I always stay up and wait for Santa, only to found out that it was my father who sneaks late up night just to put something in my hanging sock near the fireplace and that he was acting as my Santa.

I smiled at the memory of the past, as I shook off my head and head for the gates after I bought a ticket. It's Saturday and I know it's the time to exit my happy place and end my loneliness. This is the annual Winter Fantasy pilgrimage after all.

Mingling with the crowd, I did as I watched and observed some sights, colours and booths and much more, when I suddenly felt a presence and I turned around. A familiar blonde girl hoists a small brown bag off a shelf as her fingers stroke it elegantly.

"How much for this one?"

"One hundred and fifty."

It was Ever, probably picking up a gift for Sabine since it makes a good Christmas gift and she has a really good taste. She immediately turns away after she put the bag back to its place. Did she notice me? No way. I didn't see her eyeing this way and it's impossible; we're in crowds for –

Crowds… No wonder she looks like sick. I walk towards her with difficulty, ready to lessen her headaches by holding her hand and not bothering if she's going to hate me, but a woman with purple aura brushes in front of me and help her instead.

It's Ava.

She's the woman I often see in Ever's thoughts, although I really didn't pay her much attention. The supposed-to-be villain that tries to steal her little sister away from her. And although I don't bad-mouthed people, (it's just that, that's what I always read in her thoughts) I stayed in my place as if my feet froze on the ground as I observe the auburn-haired woman.

Judging from her aura of wisdom and spirituality, she seems to be a kind and gentle person. At some point, looks can be deceiving so, I tried to hear out her intention. But, I can't even get a trace or clue to what she's thinking. It's like my mind just hit a wall. A very thick wall that I can't pass through or even find a hole to go in.

"Ever, I want you to know my offer still stands. I'd really like to help you," Ava smiles at Ever as I saw her holding Ever's arm.

I'm relieved that she might want to show her how she'd done a shield to protect her privacy (probably from people like me and others who can read minds) and so, I went out of the joyful event, assured that she's in good hands.

After taking a warm bath and drinking my red dinner, I went for my bed. There's really no point in living when Ever is not around. Just gazing at her and knowing that she's safe is enough for me.

'Hey, Damen! Long time, no chat.'

I heard a familiar voice that tries to conquer my mind, only to be outside my head. I grumble as my eyes flew open to see a white ceiling.

"Drina."

'And yes, sorry to bother you at this time. Oh, don't worry, I'm on it, I swear.'

'Is that the only thing you want to say?' I ask through telepathy patiently, 'Pardon me for not entertaining you enough, but don't you think it's time for people to sleep? That's great, you're starting to and I'm really happy for you. You can tell the rest tomorrow.'

Just as how much I want her to wave goodbye to me, it's how much that it's opposite of what I wish to happen.

'No, it can't be tomorrow, because I'm going to be super busy!' she says, delight is evident present in her tone. I wonder why.

'Um, just as you know, it's not every day Christmas holiday and everything around so, can we –'

'No,' I refused easily, even before Drina can finish her sentence. Whenever there's a holiday, event or any happening, she just uses those times as an excuse for our little get-together. But, I know better. I refused because it's for her sake of changing into a much better immortal and to remind her that we're over for years I can't count and we will never go back to the way before. There's just no way.

'Hey, there are no such things for friends like us, right?' Drina coos, her tone pretending to be hurt, 'Oh, I forgot, we aren't just friends.'

'Drina,' I murmur seriously with warning in my mind, clearing all of her hopes for that. I know it's rude but, it's better to tell early.

'Right,' I heard her sigh deeply as her voice becomes lightly, 'Anyway, as you know, I was going to invite you for a dinner and you obviously knew that already and declined so, maybe next time.'

I nod, as I want to bade farewell and be gone. As I finally thought that she's finished, I were ready to shut off my mind as her voice wakes me up that left me an edgy and disturbed feeling.

'And I'm sure you will go to that next time, yes?' I'm ready to protest, however, she finishes with vanishing, 'I made you will. Okay, until that next time comes.'

I slept, ignoring Drina's invitation and only thinking of Ever.

I really think this chapter fails, I didn't feel accomplished, etc. and I didn't update early lol. I guess because it's just weeks away from going-back-to-school and yes, I'm pretty nervous, excited and busy. Out.