Chapter 18

*Sydney's POV*

"Are you sure you want to go back today? You know that the doctor said you could miss another week of school. I don't want you to push yourself." Adrian asked anxiously as we pulled into the parking lot of Amberwood Prep.

"For the tenth time Adrian, I am fine." I sighed. In reality, I was actually scared of going to school. All the questions I would have to face about why I wasn't there for a whole week, vanishing without anyone knowing. I can't tell people what is going on. Even Eddie and Angeline believe that the seizure was just a random event, not something that happened because of my SLE. They don't even know about my SLE; only Jill knows and that's because of Adrian.

With a tentative look, Adrian took my hand. "I don't want you to overwork yourself. The doctor said to take it easy. Too much stress will make all of your symptoms worse."

"I know, I took notes." Rolling my eyes, I leaned forward and hugged him. "I'll call you when the school days over."

"And we'll all go out to dinner." Adrian chuckled and I could feel it vibrate through his chest. "I love you Sage."

"I-" I didn't know what to say. It still scared me when he said the 'L' word. It hurt me not being able to say it back at the same time. "I'll see you later." I gave Adrian a quick kiss on the cheek and scrambled out of the car with my small duffle bag of stuff.

The sun was barely rising when I got to my dorm room. I didn't want to be late to classes, so that's why I made Adrian drive me over. Eddie drove my car back from Adrian's the other day, so it was sitting in the lot.

I collapsed into bed as soon as I got into my room. I wanted to unpack all of my clothes, but I was to worn out. I awoke what felt like seconds later by a loud pounding on the door.

"Sydney!" A young, perky voice said through the door. Jill.

With a groan, I rolled out of bed and answered the door. "Good-" I didn't even get to finish my sentence before I was engulfed in a hug.

"I missed you so much Sydney. It's not the same talking to Angeline or Eddie. How are you feeling? Are you sure you're okay? Adrian told me to talk care of you and report back if you start to seem off. He also told me not to tell you that." Jill's voice got softer as she finished speaking. "Hi."

"Hi Jill." I forced a bright smile when really I was super tired. "I'm fine. Adrian is just being overly paranoid."

"When you see the girl you love having a seizure right in front of you, you have the right to be paranoid." Jill crossed her arms in the doorway.

I flinched slightly at the 'L' word, and I hoped Jill didn't notice. "Shh. Not so loud. I don't need everyone to know what happened." I said worriedly. "And he doesn't need to worry about me, I'm fine."

"Um hum. He told me you would say that. Don't lie to me Sydney Sage." Jill warned in the most nonthreatening tone I've ever heard.

"I'm fine. But I'm also hungry. Can you continue talking your nonsense as we walk to get breakfast?" I asked, shoving her out the door.

"It's not nonsense. It is completely…. Sense!" Jill huffed as we walked to get breakfast.

Jill blabbed the whole walk, telling me about everything I missed. I didn't care for any of the gossip, but I nodded and laughed when I was supposed to despite the fact that I really wasn't listening.

When we sat down at our normal table, me with an apple and Jill with a plate full of food, Eddie and Angeline stopped their little fight.

"Welcome back Sydney!" Eddie said with a slight sigh of relief. I knew it was probably a struggle for him to be here all alone with the two teenage girls. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling better, thanks for asking." I shrugged as I bit my apple.

"I'm really happy your back Sydney!" Angeline exclaimed over excitedly.

"I'm glad to be-"

"I really need help with this math homework. It's impossible." She complained. So that's why she was excited. Go figure.

"I'll help you out with it tonight Angeline. I have to go talk to my teachers and make sure I didn't miss any extra work." I pushed myself away from the table and stood up a bit too quickly. Everything moved in slow motion as my hand gripped the table to keep me from falling.

Eddie was at my side immediately, hands on my waist to support me. "Sydney, are you okay? Do you need to go to the nurse?" His eyes studied me carefully just like the others who sat at the table.

"I'm fine Eddie." I snapped a bit too harshly. With a heavy sigh, I pushed him away. "I just stood up a bit too quickly. You can't keep trying to come to my rescue every time I feel off. I don't need a babysitter!"

My voice must have escalated louder than I expected, causing people at the neighboring tables to turn around. I could feel all the eyes burning holes in my skin. Unable to take the pressure of their stares, I grabbed my bag and ran for it. Despite my head which felt like it was being bashed in by a baseball bat, I made it to my first class without passing out.

"Just another 8 hours to go Sydney." I whispered to myself. "And now you're talking to yourself. Great."

"You look like shit Sage." Adrian said as I entered his car. I already knew that I looked horrible, but hearing it from your boyfriend doesn't exactly boost your self-esteem.

"Thanks Adrian. You sure know how to sweep a girl off her feet." My voice drips with sarcasm.

"Woah. Did you just say something rude and sarcastic?" He asked, feigning shock. "I knew there was a reason I loved you." He leaned closer to me, expecting a kiss.

With a flinch I scoot closer towards the car door. "Adrian, we're in front of my school. Someone could see!" It was a lame excuse, but it was partially the truth.

Adrian pulled back with a frown. "What's got your panties in a bunch?"

I wanted to hit him for that comment, that's how pissed off I was. "Everything. Everyone. Everyone keeps watching me. I feel like a zoo animal. Like everyone is just waiting for me to pass out and die."

"You can stay at my place for the rest of the week. The doctor said-"

"I can't leave school just because some kids are staring at me. I'm a big girl." I didn't want to be a big girl though. I wanted to stay home, but that would mean missing the work. The work is the only reason the school day was somewhat bearable.

"Are you-"

"Adrian…"

"Okay, I won't push it. But if you ever want to ditch, you know who to call." Adrian said with a sly wink. "Speaking of ditching, where are the children?"

The others. "I, um, forgot to tell them." I looked down at my lap sheepishly.

"You… Forgot?"

"Yeah, I guess I did."

"Sage, you're so out of it. I mean it; you are not yourself at all." Adrian grabbed my hand tightly.

"I'm fine Adrian. When am I not fine? Just, please, drop it." I begged. "I'm starving. Can we get dinner now like you promised this morning?" My stomach gargled, as if trying to prove my case.

"Anything for you my love." Adrian put the car in gear and started to pull out of the school parking lot.

Love. Nope, still not used to that word.

I don't think I ever will be used to the L word.

Of course. Right after I say I'll post every day that week, I disappear for a long time. I'm so sorry. So so sorry. I am a horrible person.

Well, did you like the chapter? I think it was... okay. It's a little longer then usual, but I think that's okay. Next chapter is Rose and Dimitri doing... I don't even know yet, honestly. I'll think of something! I'll try and update more, because now it is SUMMER! And I entered the contest to get to visit the VA movie set. Will I win? Probably not. A girl can dream though!

Well, I hope you are all having an awesome summer! :D Review please? It gives me the motivation to continue!

Love,

Kaitlyn xoxo