Teenage Dream

by Lucy Samb

You/ Darren Criss fanfic. The story is about your life with Darren in high school, college and professional life among friendship,love,fights,comings and goings and how you both go through serious stuff such as bullying,suicide,discrimination and life itself. It starts when you meet Darren, a guy of your school in St. Ignatius College Preparatory who never noticed you, a loser.

44. The return

A/N: Hello everybody! Surprise! Early update! How are you doing today? I hope you all are doing completely fine and if not, I'll send a lot of cookies and hot chocolate your way! Okay, let's see... I have a series of announcements to say: 1) I'm very sorry to inform that next week I won't be able to update; it'll be something physically (and mentally) impossible for me to do. I'm having very complicated weeks full of several complicated things. Hopefully everything will return to normal by the end of May. So, next update will be on May 25, one day before my 23th birthday (Huzzah!). I'm so sorry guys, I really am, but I can't make it! Anyway, if I find the time to update next week, I'll do it, only that sadly I won't be able to reply to your reviews. 2) Another bad announcement. I haven't been able to write in the last month, nothing at all. I don't know for how long I won't be able to write; I want to, but I don't have time. So... Sadly, it'll come a point when I won't have chapters to update and this weekly update thing I always wanted to maintain won't be possible. I'm sorry for that too. 3) There isn't another announcement. I'm sorry for the bad news! Now I want to thank you for your continued support and thank you for reading this. Now, back to the story... What to say? You should be ready to read this new chapter! Remember the text message Freckles has received? It's time to figure out what that's about and who is (or who are?) involved! Maybe this isn't a sweet chapter... But it's a chapter (no shit Sherlock!) and I wish you can give me your opinion! Tell me the ugly truth! Well, now in general I want to say that I'm very glad you liked the last chapter, and I hope you enjoy this one too, despite the bad things. Now I promise to shut up and just answer your reviews. Oh! One last thing... I'm kind of sleepy, so you already know... You might read senseless responses.

MeMi83: Memi! I'll give you a clue: Maybe Brian has something to do, but he's not the problem here; it's because something else you'll now find out. Then, thank you so much! I think it was time for them to sit and talk (without yelling!), hopefully this will last for more time now and hopefully this will be like a new chapter of their lives as you said! Thank you for saying I deserve the reviews! And hopefully you can keep enjoying this story! If someday I disappoint you, let me know it and just kick my ass, please! Then, thank you a lot for wishing me luck with my thesis, I really need it because I, like the most stupid person, decided to choose one of the most complicated themes in world! The worst part is that I was free to choose whatever I wanted and for some weird reason I like choosing hard and defiant things to resolve. And Twisted! It'll surely be totally awesome as all the things that the Team StarKid does! I'm eager to watch it on YouTube! So now I'll send you a bottle of green elixir, the Wizard of Oz, and an animal professor!

alicegursk: Yay! I got my blankets! Now I want a fluffy teddy bear so I won't feel so alone! Am I asking too much? They're cute, aren't they? And they will have a lot of more sweet moments... As friends. Maybe, someday in the future, they will be more than that; wouldn't it be nice to see the process in which they are friends and learn how to be friends and then they fall in love again? Maybe I'll be nice and write something about it... Or maybe not. You worry about Brian? But you said it, if he had told Freckles his real feelings for her, things would be more complicated and we don't want that for now, do we? Maybe Freckles would never know his real feelings. You know me Alice, you've read already 42 chapters, do you really think that what Freckles has received isn't something bad? Really? It's not my fault... My evil twin wrote this chapter!

Nicole: Thank you very much my Draco-Nicole! For sure you'll get a lot of more chapters and I hope they can be as totally awesome as the others, in your opinion! You're a very lucky girl and I'm always intrigued to know what your question will be and let me tell you that I did like the question you decided to ask. So my answer to your question is (add sounds of drums)... Okay, wait, stop the sound of drums! I have to answer two things so I'm reformulating my response; okay, now I'm ready. (Sounds of drums) Darren will have a new girlfriend and it'll be a new character. Yes, hopefully this time they will be real friends and will stop with that shit of getting distant, getting closer, being friendly, being cold, kiss, yell, slap, and just things like those. What is their problem? Okay, hopefully this time the talk worked out. The text, oh the text! You were so close with your assumptions; but no, there's something missing; something that you'll FIND out in this next chapter; you'll FIND out if everything is alright or not; maybe you'll FIND it a bit interesting; and maybe at the end of the chapter you'll FIND yourself cursing. I'll FIND out what you think soon. If I FIND you beating up (or playing?) with first years, I'll FIND professor Dumbledore to FIND a punishment for you, you evil Draco-Nicole! Anyway, I'll send you hugs and butterfly kisses!

Emma: Hey Emma! I'm really glad you liked the last chapter! And maybe you're right; maybe Freckles wasn't completely honest, but I think that wasn't her intention; what I think is that Freckles isn't honest with herself, so she cannot tell what her real feelings are, hence why she acted that way when she was with Brian, she acted on instinct and on her subconscious. Then, it really makes me feel good the fact you want to see Darren meeting someone new, because it may or may not happen. I also think that, considering how Freckles and Darren are now, they aren't for each other. I mean, they both have changed so they're not good for each other as before; first they have to get to know each other again and they have to meet new people, fall in love with other people, experience how love affairs with other people feels like, and a lot of more things. I mean, it could be something positive for both of them, so I like your point of view. Did I really write well the things about San Francisco? I must admit that was one of my biggest fears, because obviously I've never been there, so I had to make a sort of a little research about it and I ended up inventing new places that maybe San Francisco could have in the future, haha! And do you really have a place like them? This only makes you be even more like Freckles! It's really great to know you have a place to go and play your guitar and just be alone with your thoughts and all when you're feeling sad or stressed! I guess I've gotta find my own place here too, it'd be something nice, I think. Now, another thing, do not ever think that you bother me when you tell me personal stuff; on the contrary, I love the fact you did it. Oh my wizard god! You got accepted to so many universities! That's completely awesome! And they all are very good universities (for the little I know) and now it's my turn to ask... I think I've never asked you this, but what are you gonna study? And are you also gonna study Drama and musical Theater too? Oh gosh! That's amazing! You'll have to make a big effort, but it'll be worth it. Let me know if they accepted you! I feel proud of you! It's a big deal to have been accepted to so many great universities! And are you gonna see Darren? Ah! You'll have to tell me how it was and tell me everything! I bet it'll be amazing! And one last thing, I was always intrigued to know how Darren's family house looks like, I don't know why, I guess it's only because I'm almost an architect so I'm a freak when it comes to things related to it, haha; would you tell me?

Vcriss: Oh! Channing shirtless was priceless! I watched that movie because a friend (who's completely in love with Channing) recommended it to me. I'll also admit I didn't like Channing by then and I watched the movie only because I like romantic movies (yes, I admit it!); then I really enjoyed the view of Channing shirtless. Yes, I agree, Darren is sexy and dreamy; he's like my type of guys, I guess (though in real life my boyfriend doesn't look like Darren at all). I like a lot of things of Darren, like his smile, eyes, hair (never forget the curly hair), just his face, his whole face; and if we talk about the body and we get a bit undapper, I really like his hipbones and his beer belly, and his ass; don't think I'm a perverted, I just enjoy it, haha. And I also think Darren might be the only guy who looks hot and not gross while sweating, maybe the only one. And well, if Darren and Freckles ever get together again, it won't happen any soon; they first need to experience new things. And now you're about to find out what that text message was about!

zahra auob: Queen of cliffhangers! I really like that nickname! And well, at least it has a good meaning because I guess it's something positive the fact I make you jump in bed when you realize it's Saturday! Your comment honestly made me smile! Yes, it's something sad what Brian is doing, actually I don't think that not telling her his real feelings is something positive, on the contrary, it's something negative that is making him live in torture as you said; but it's his personality, it's his mind and with time you'll find out why Brian is the way he is and why he acts the way he acts; everything has an explanation. Yes! It was time for Darren and Freckles to talk, they really needed to do it in a peaceful way and they needed to be honest with each other; I think this time they could really forgive each other and that's a huge progress for them; hopefully this is gonna last. I think they'll have a great friendship and I think it'll be interesting how they get to know each other again. You're very welcome; whenever you need an advice or you need to talk to someone, you can count on me! I love doing this. Yes, i think it's a good idea to wait until you finish your exams and I think you and your friend who has the same problem decided to take the first (and probably hardest) step to go and talk to that person. You just have to think that one way or another everything will be fine, because even if things don't work out the way you expect, at least you tried and you have to feel proud of it!

Caroline Boeira: I knew you were going to like their talk! That day I was feeling like writing something really sweet and lovely, because after all they're that when they're together (even if in the previous chapters they definitely weren't like that). They're gonna be just friends now... But remember how Darren and Freckles started? They first were friends, then best friends and then they fell in love... What if this story is repeated? Wouldn't it be interesting? But I strongly believe that first they need to experience new things with other people, maybe that way they will find out that they're only meant to be with each other, or maybe not. And yes, Brian loves Freckles and it's very sweet the way he loves her; but Freckles... Does she feel the same way than Brian? I don't think so. So I don't think Freckles belongs to Brian; you already said it. Oh! Do you really wanna know what happened to Freckles? Maybe it's not something that happened to her; maybe it's something that happened to other person or people and maybe it's because of other person, thing or people. Anyway, you'll find it out right in this chapter, then you can tell me what you think!

PotterHead62: Yes! They were like strangers and now they're friends again! And maybe they'll become best friends and maybe they'll fall in love again and maybe... Okay, it wouldn't be nice if they grow apart like the last time. Maybe their teenage love story is gonna be repeated, who knows? I do like happy endings and I do ship Frarren or Deckels as you said (by the way I love the ship names you made up). But I'm an evil and cruel person at the same time (Did I mention I'm bipolar?). So, maybe they won't get back together so easily and so quickly, if not ever. That is because I think they need to meet new people and experience other things with other people to learn new things before they can get together to be together forever and to get a strong bond. So, sadly or not, it won't be soon-ish (ish, ish, ish! Irish! Automatically remembering Darren wearing a gray and green striped Ireland polo shirt and saying 'I'm a hobbit-ish'). Thank you so much for what you said! I tried to make it as sweet and moving as I could; because I wanted to make of it a very important and meaningful talk to them, remembering things of their past. I know if I read it again I'd want to change several things, but for now I'll be content with it! I hope you can keep enjoying this story, despite the maybe terrible thing that is gonna happen now!

Guest: Have you heard it, Darren? Don't screw it up! The same goes for you, Freckles. You better don't screw it up or we all are gonna find you and we all are gonna kick your ass! I guess now that we've warned them so, they won't dare to do anything stupid and they will be good friends and hopefully they'll become best friends. Wouldn't it be great? Yay for happy endings!

amanecerita83: It makes me so happy to hear about you again! Yay! About time! They needed to have this talk and everything would have been much easier and less dramatic if they'd had this talk in the beginning; but I guess they first needed to clear up everything themselves by their own way to finally be able to have an honest talk like that one. They finally agreed to be friends and hopefully this time they won't screw it up! I think they can be really good friends if they don't start doing confusing things and if they start accepting each other the way they are now. I think this clean slate will be something positive for them both. Just let's see what happens to them!

Vicky: Yes, they really needed that talk, in that peaceful and honest way. I think this is a huge progress for them and maybe this time they'll be able to be friends again, for real this time. I think it could be interesting see how they act around each other from now on, now as friends; would they be able to make it? Yes, I think Freckles hurt Brian even more with what she did; but I think that wasn't her intentions, because after all Freckles had no idea of what Brian feels for her, so maybe this is kind of Brian's fault, he's the one who decided to shut up and hide his real feelings, but it's for a reason he does what he does; but yes, Brian is feeling even worse, I guess. Kelly, Kelly, Kelly. Yes, she'll appear again, not so soon, but she will. And yes, she will bring more troubles, but at the same time she won't; she will bring different kind of troubles next time and maybe also some solutions and some answers; surely you can't understand what I'm saying but when the time comes, you'll understand this. I really wanted to write something funny because I've already written so much drama that I thought I could make for it with a little comedy; but since I'm not particularly a very funny person (my jokes suck and are very silly, haha) I only wrote a bit. I thought the argument was funny because those are things that happen when you're living with other person and besides because I really can picture Joey and Darren fooling around with silly things. And Darren dressed up as girl! I laughed when I wrote about it, because it's funny and for some odd reason I can picture Darren doing this kind of stuff, I was actually inspired by three pictures of Darren I've seen. And poor guy! He surely had a trauma after seeing that! haha.

Roula: Yes, you're right about that. Freckles didn't mean to hurt Brian because she wasn't conscious when she said Darren's name; but for sure Brian did feel really bad; we already know he's in love with her so it must something very hard to hear. I'm glad you liked the argument Joey and Darren had! I wanted them to argue but I wanted to make it in a funny way, because those kinds of arguments happen when you're living with other person; besides I wanted to add a little comedy in between all the drama. I hope it worked! Darren dressed up as a girl, I really can picture him doing so, because I was actually someway inspired by some pictures I've seen of him, posing in an effeminate way. I agree they needed that talk; it was time for them to be honest and settle down everything. Now I think they can be good friends and maybe someday they'll become best friends, I can picture that. And do you think the text message has something to do with Brian or Mandy? Oh well, you're very close, but there's something missing, something very important that may change everything and will make things complicated for everybody! What could it be? Oh, you'll find it out in this new chapter! I wish you can enjoy it!

-Okay guys, that was all for today. I hope you can enjoy this early update and I apologize again for not be able to update next week. Hopefully I'll find free time to do it, but I hardly think so! These are crazy times! Well, now I'll let you read this chapter! Are you ready to know what happened? Are you ready to read something that maybe will change things? Did I say I like plot twists? Well... Here you have this chapter to read. In case I can't update next week, I wish you all a totally awesome two weeks full of positive things, good vibes, and a lot of laughs and beautiful things! Warm fuzzies!

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Teenage Dream – Chapter 44 – The return.

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"Freckles, are you alright?" I asked again, but she didn't reply. She shook her head slowly and then she stood up. "What's wrong?" I asked looking at her, she was walking in circles around the table, still concerned and worried.

I stood up and I placed my hands on her shoulders to stop her and to try to reassure her. Anyway, she didn't look at me; she was looking down, frowning with her eyes wide open, disturbed.

"Freckles, what's going on?" I asked trying to look into her eyes.

She shook her head again and she walked away, straight to the bedroom. I frowned and I followed her. She was revolving all of the stuff of her closet. I was just looking at her bewildered, not getting why she could be doing that and feeling like that. She finally pulled out a little gray box. She pulled out a key of her pocket and opened the box. Her hands were shaking, she was very edgy. From that box she pulled out like a lot of money. I really didn't understand what was happening. She passed by my side without saying anything at all, walking to the table again. I followed her again. She grabbed her backpack and pulled out her wallet to put all that money there. She put the wallet in her backpack again and she hung it on her shoulder. She was so edgy and that was making me feel worried. Then she finally looked at me and I could see her worried and troubled eyes.

"Sorry, I have to go." She said with trembling voice and she walked fast to the door, but I ran behind her and I took her hand.

"Hey, wait. What's happening?" I asked worried.

"I can't explain right now. I really have to go, sorry." She answered trying to walk to the door again, but I held her hand tighter.

"Freckles, I can't let you go like that. You seem to be very edgy and disorientated; what if something happens to you? What's wrong?" I asked trying to look into her eyes. Geez, her hands were shaking too much.

"Darren, I really have to go. Let me go!" She said pulling her hand, but I pulled her to me and I placed my hands firmly on her shoulders.

"Hey, calm down, Freckles." I said softly.

"I won't calm down!" She yelled and I looked at her stunned. When she noticed the way she yelled at me, she looked at me sadly, still nervous. "Please, let me go. I really have to go."

"Then I'm going with you, wherever you have to go. But I won't let you go alone like this." I said roundly, looking into her eyes.

"Fine." She replied edgily. "You can come, but please, I have to go right now."

"Okay, I'll just go for my backpack." I said nodding and I quickly walked to where my backpack was. When I turned around, Freckles was already opening the door. "Hey, wait for me!" I said loudly when she started to walk outside.

Of course she didn't listen to me; she was like running. Anyway, I ran behind her. What the hell was happening? She seemed to be blind because she was like stumbling over everyone on her way. I ran even faster to reach her, and when I was one step behind her, I placed both of my hands on her waist and I pulled her to me. She looked at me disturbed and frowning.

"Slow down, Freckles!" I said a bit exasperated. She tried to keep running but I held her tighter. "You won't go anywhere if you don't calm down first. I have no idea what's going on, but you really need to calm down."

"I can't calm down!" She said upset.

"But you have to! You're stumbling over everybody!" I said firmly, still holding her by her waist. She only shook her head. "Okay, you won't arrive anywhere if you can't calm down because it seems that your nervousness is blinding you; so I'll lead you. Tell me where you have to go."

"Central Campus." She answered with trembling voice.

"Central Campus? What do you have to do there?" I asked very confused.

"There's a problem... Brian... Darren, please, do not make me talk right now because I can't even think..." She said in a supplicant and desperate way.

"Okay, okay, it's okay." I said reassuringly. I stepped beside her and I linked my arm with hers. "We'll walk like this. I don't want you to let out my arm at any time under any circumstances. Okay?" I asked looking fixedly into her eyes and she just nodded.

We walked in silence because I understood she couldn't talk, she was still very edgy and her body wouldn't stop trembling. She seemed to very dizzy and disorientated, so I had to lead her. I forgot about the course I had to attend because I couldn't leave her go alone to the Central Campus like this. She was trying to run, but I forced her to walk, fast, but walk. She really needed to calm down, whatever it was happening. We took the Bursley-Baits bus and we sat on two empty seats. Freckles sat on the seat right next to the window and she wouldn't stop looking through the window, playing with her fingers, biting her lips and shaking her legs as a sign of nervousness and anxiety. I looked at her fixedly and I placed a hand on her knee. She looked at me and I saw her edgy face.

"Calm down, Freckles. We're on our way." I said softly, trying to reassure her.

She only nodded and looked through the window again. What I said didn't help at all, because she was still shaking her legs, playing with her fingers and biting her lips. It was as if she was listening, but not listening to me at all. At one point she stood up abruptly and tried to walk but she couldn't because I was still sitting; so I also stood up thinking that maybe this was the bus stop. I linked my arm with hers before she could start walking fast and we got out the bus. Okay, now I really didn't know where we had to go; but Freckles started walking fast to a certain direction. That was what I thought, but then she started running to other direction, and later then, to another completely different direction. She was lost.

"Okay, stop!" I said bossy, forcing her to stop. She tried to keep walking, but I placed my hands firmly on her shoulders. "Stop!"

"We need to go! I think... I think is that way, yes it must be that way." She said with trembling voice, looking to another direction.

"Probably it isn't. You're so disorientated." I said looking into her eyes while her eyes were focused on one path.

"No..." She said with trembling voice, now looking at other path.

"Yes, you are. Just tell me where we're supposed to go and I'll find the way." I said firmly and roundly.

"North Quadrangle residential. It's where Brian lives." She said nervously and I linked my arm with hers again.

"Good, let's go take a look at that map sign." I said while walking her to there. I looked at the map sign and I found where the North Quadrangle residential was. "Okay, I found it. Let's go." I said quietly.

I started walking her to the residential, trying to walk slowly and not so fast so maybe she could relax. When she saw the building, she let out my arm and she started running to there; of course I ran after her. She started up the stairs and she was so hasty that she tripped over the steps. I ran to her and I took her hand and placed a hand on her waist to help her to stand up. She didn't say anything and she didn't even stop to see if she had a scratch or not. She tried to keep going up the stairs in the same hasty way; but this time I held her hand tightly and I kinda forced her to slow down. We finally arrived to a neat and elegant corridor and she walked fast until we reached one particular door. So this surely was Brian's room and now I didn't know if I should stay there or not; maybe it wasn't proper, I didn't now. For starters, I let out her hand and she knocked the door obstreperously.

"Brian, open the door!" She yelled noisily while still knocking the door.

I was just looking at her frowning, why was she so fucking nervous? It was stressful. I heard steps coming closer and then I heard the keys in the lock to open the door. Freckles pushed the door recklessly, but she still couldn't open it. Brian finally opened the door.

"What the hell has happened?" Freckles yelled edgily.

I looked at Brian. He also looked very edgy and frightened; I've never seen him like that, he was the badass guy, or at least that is what he used to be. Now he looked haggard and really, but really frightened and worried. He looked at Freckles nervously but didn't say anything, it seemed he couldn't talk. What the hell was going on? Then he finally shifted his gaze to me. Yet, he didn't say anything. I just looked down, feeling like a bother; I probably shouldn't be there; whatever it was happening, it seemed to be a bad and private thing. Then Brian looked at Freckles again.

"He accompanied me because I was too nervous to think and walk over here, because what the hell is happening? What was that thing that someone broke into your room? What's going on?" Freckles yelled edgily.

"It's okay; come in, guys. I don't wanna talk about it in here." Brian said with trembling voice, looking round.

Freckles entered the room, but I stayed there; maybe it wasn't proper to get in. What the hell was that thing that someone broke into his room? It was supposed that the residence buildings were safe. Now I could have a slight idea why Freckles was so nervous. Brian looked at me.

"Come on; get in, man." He said and I just nodded.

I entered his room shyly and Brian closed the door behind him, locking it with keys. I was looking at the room very shocked. Yes, definitely someone broke into his room. All of his belongings were on the floor, spread everywhere. Most of the things were broken. Lots of furniture like chairs and the couch were broken, the cushions were ripped, the lamps, the dishes and cups, even the glasses of the windows were broken. The table was tumbled on the floor, just as the fridge and the chairs. It also seemed that they tore the pages of all of his books, because there were papers lying on the floor everywhere. Even his laptop was broken. Man, this was a disaster and was kinda scary. What were the chances that someone can break into your room at college? Freckles was looking all around, shocked and really edgy; yes, of course.

"Oh my god, how did this happen, Brian?" Freckles asked with trembling voice, looking at Brian really frightened.

"I don't know." Brian replied also with trembling voice, shaking his head, looking down and running his fingers through his hair. "I was just taking a nap and I woke up and everything was fine. I decided to go to my course and when I came back, I found this." He said nervously, raising his arms and looking round.

"Have you called security?" Freckles asked worried.

"Yeah, I have." He said sighing and frowning. "They told me they didn't see anything suspicious and they will try to find the person who did this, but they're not going to take care of the damage." Brian said sitting on the floor cross-legged, resting his elbow on his thigh and propping his forehead on his hand.

"That's absurd." I whispered and Brian and Freckles looked at me. "Sorry, I don't want to intrude here, but it's absurd what they've told you. I mean, it's their duty to keep the students safe, just as the safety of the rooms. That's included in the cost of the rooms we have to pay. They must repair the damages caused because it was something external to you. This is about someone who broke into your room." I explained and Freckles nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, that's what I said. But they said they have no proofs that someone actually broke in." Brian said sighing and frowning.

"That they have no proofs?" I asked incredulous, raising my eyebrows. "That must be a sort of joke! Man, look at this place, it's pretty obvious that it was what actually happened! What they said is ridiculous! Unbelievable!" I exclaimed sarcastically.

"Well yeah, they said that many students break their own things to make it look like a robbery and thus be able to buy new things. They think that is what I did." Brian replied, biting his lower lip and looking down.

"But you didn't do it! That's the truth!" Freckles exclaimed exasperated.

"That's right, you should kind of sue for damages and they'll research it and they'll know it wasn't something you did. That way they could repair the damages and refund what you've lost. I do think that University won't risk its excellent reputation for something like this." I added trying to remain calm because both Freckles and Brian were really edgy.

"Whether it works or not, I can't do that. You said they have to take responsibility of the security of students and their rooms because it's included in the cost of the room we have to pay." Brian said looking away, staring blankly.

"Yeah... It's like that." I replied frowning because I couldn't get his point.

"Well, so that will never happen because the rent of the last two months wasn't paid." He said uncomfortably, looking away.

"Well, but you're still in time to pay; and you can demand what the contract says." I said quietly.

Brian looked at me furtively and then he looked down, apparently sadly. He bit his lower lip, clenched his jaw and frowned slightly. He seemed to be very uncomfortable. That was a really weird reaction, did I say something wrong? Then I looked at Freckles. She was also looking down and pursing her lips, but she was raising her eyebrows. Well, definitely I said something wrong and I screwed it. But what? Sometimes I should just learn how to shut the fuck up when it was none of my business.

"I don't get it, you sent me that text message telling me you've got a written notice saying you must move out besides this what happened. I thought your ex roommate has paid the rent before he left?" Freckles suddenly said.

I looked at her stunned, and then I looked at Brian who was still looking down and frowning. That was terrible, how would they evict a student? Why would happen the break in? There were still things I couldn't understand. Why wouldn't Brian just pay the rent that wasn't paid? That was all he had to do.

"Well, it seems he hasn't paid anything since I couldn't afford paying my part. He never told me." Brian replied while rubbing his face with his hands, as though he was really troubled.

What was that thing he couldn't afford paying his part? Did he have economic troubles? It was weird because he seemed to be the guy who had good economic position.

"Don't worry about that, Brian. I've brought the enough money to pay the rents you owe. They won't evict you." Freckles said softly, walking to him.

She squatted in front of him and placed her hands on his shoulders, reassuringly. I was just observing them. So that was why Freckles took all that money; for Brian; apparently because Brian didn't have the money to pay the rent. Why, though? I couldn't get what was going on and I felt like an intruder.

"No, I don't want you to do that." Brian said looking at her straight in her eyes.

His voice cracked when he said that and I frowned in confusion. Was Brian about to cry? This was super weird. Again, I was still thinking he was the badass guy, the strong one; and it was weird to see him so vulnerable with that huge and muscular body he had. I've never seen him like this.

"I don't know for how long I'll be in this situation and I can't allow you to do it until things get right again. Because I don't know how long it'll take. And my degrees aren't so good lately, so I cannot ask for a better scholarship; and I still couldn't find a damn job and I don't even know if I'll get one. And now all of this happened and all of my things are broken and I can't buy new ones; and my dad still couldn't find a job and his health is getting worse and worse and... Damn! I just can't afford being here." Brian exclaimed exasperated with chocked voice. Yet he wasn't crying, even if his eyes were teary. "And the person who broke into here stole me all the money I've been saving for my dad's drugs. Everything! They took everything!" He said finally breaking into tears.

Oh, whoa. I wasn't expecting to hear something like this. So maybe these were the serious troubles Brian was having that Meredith mentioned me. What I was assuming was that Brian had economic troubles; he didn't have money, he couldn't get a job, he couldn't pay the rent and he couldn't afford buying new things; to make things worse, now the person who broke into his room broke all of his belongings, like literally everything. They told him they weren't going to refund anything and they weren't going to repair the damages that the robber caused; so he was the only one who had to repair everything, but he couldn't do it. He received an eviction written notice because he couldn't pay the rent of the room; but he couldn't pay it now because he didn't have such money. Not only that, but apparently his father didn't have a job and he was sick. His father was sick? What could be? Surely it was a serious illness, because he has been saving money for his father's drugs. And the robber stole all of that money. And he said he couldn't be here anymore? What did he mean? Attending this University? Oh crap. This was indeed a terrible thing, so it was completely understandable he was now crying. How can so many things happen to only one person? I felt kinda bad for him, and I was also very astonished. I saw how Brian bent his legs, wrapping his arms around them and burying his head on his knees. He didn't look like the Brian I used to know.

"What, Brian?" Freckles asked gingerly with trembling voice, really worried and frightened.

"They took it all! I have nothing left. I can't keep attending college, I have to come back to San Francisco and see what I can do there; I don't know if there I'm gonna find a job but at least I'm gonna be with my dad." Brian said still sobbing.

It was hard to hear what he was saying because he was still burying his face on his knees. Man, that was super dreadful; I was in shock. I couldn't believe this; I never thought, when Meredith mentioned he was having serious troubles, it could be something like this. Freckles had teary eyes, but she closed her eyes for a while, took a deep breath and then looked at Brian firmly. He wasn't looking at her, so she placed both of her hands on his cheeks and made him look at her. He finally looked at her and I could see his swollen eyes full of tears. Wow, that wasn't good to see at all; it was weird and completely sad.

"Brian Thomas Clerk, listen to me." Freckles said firmly, looking deeply into his eyes. "I won't let you drop-out college; we've talked about this already. Yes, it's terrible all that is happening, but you've got friends who are gonna help you to go through this. You've got me, and I'm gonna pay the rent as we agreed, we agreed that, Brian!" Freckles exclaimed frowning and Brian sighed and looked away, sadly. "And if they took all the money you've been saving for your dad's drugs, then I'll get that money and I'll pay it and I'll also pay for someone who can take care of your dad." Freckles said making him look at her again. I was just observing them, feeling bad. "But you're not gonna drop-out college, because I won't allow it. And you know how stubborn and irritating I can be when I propose myself something." She said laughing softly as her eyes filled with tears and Brian smiled faintly, still sobbing. "So you'll stay here until the day of your graduation. I wanna look at you and say, hello D. Lit. Clerk who has a degree in English Language and Literature. I want to see that day and your dad also wants to witness the moment his little son graduates; feeling prouder than any other father, because his son could make it in the hardest times and never gave up. Because his son, being so young, could graduate and could take care of him all this time; because he got the strength to see the sun when everything was cloudy. This is what we all want for you, Brian Thomas Clerk, so you won't drop-out so easily; no while I'm still here and I have the chance to help you."

When Freckles finished saying this, she was shedding tears. Brian made a muffled sound while looking at her and crying; and then he buried his head on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her as Freckles pulled him into a warm hug. I was standing there, observing them and feeling thrilled. What Freckles said was completely beautiful and surely it helped him to feel a little better. It was still weird for me the way they were like really close friends. Surely their friendship grew when I was absent. Geez, why was I feeling like this? This shouldn't affect me too much, I barely knew Brian; but the way he was acting was really heartbreaking and I couldn't see him like a badass anymore; I was just seeing him as a young guy going through a real shitty moment. I wished I could help too, somehow. I don't know why I wished that; I just wished that. Okay, now I was feeling a bit uncomfortable; I shouldn't be there. I was like a bother, an intruder; I don't know... This was something that they should have talked alone and not in front of me; maybe they forgot about me, I didn't know.

"Thank you, Sunny. I don't know what I'd do if..." Brian started saying with teary voice.

"Shh, don't thank me anything, Bri. I know you'd have done the same for me." Freckles said sweetly and then she kissed his cheek.

When she did that, I looked away because I felt uncomfortable. Man, I shouldn't be here. When I looked away, something caught my attention. Under a ripped cushion I could see a red paper. It was a note. I walked to there and I squatted to grab and read it. When I read it I felt really in shock. Oh, no, crap. No, no, no.

"Uh... Guys?" I started saying with trembling voice. "Sorry to interrupt, but... But here's something you might want to read."

---

You couldn't stop feeling bad for Brian. It was really unfair that a lot of bad things were happening to him: the economic troubles, the illness of his dad, the fact he wasn't with any girl for more than a year, the ex-roommate who betrayed him, the eviction written notice; the person who broke into his room, destroyed everything and stole the money for his dad's drugs. He was emotionally broken and you could notice it in his appearance too: he was lately crying a lot when before he never cried in front of people, he was haggard, he had dark circles and swollen eyes, he barely talked and smiled, he was tired pretty much all the time, his degrees weren't as flawless as before, he was worried all the time about his dad and he wasn't just living his life. He was taking so many responsibilities by his own. And he was too young to be suffering it all. Damn. You wanted to help your best friend to go through this shit just as the same way he helped you out after Darren disappeared and you were broken. He was the main reason of why you could be happy now, and you wanted to do the same with him. You just couldn't endure seeing him so devastated. You were hugging him tightly to try to reassure him while he was, again, crying on your shoulder. Brian, please, you need to smile again; you thought in your mind. And Darren interrupted you; you forgot he was there.

"Uh... Guys?" Darren said with trembling voice. "Sorry to interrupt, but... But here's something you might want to read."

You broke the hug and both you and Brian looked at him frowning slightly. Brian, fortunately, didn't seem to mind Darren was there. You looked at Darren again, he seemed to be astonished. Why? And he was grabbing a red paper. He walked over to where you and Brian were and he handed the note. You took it and started reading it loudly.

"Stop messing and stirring up the past, Clerk. This you're seeing right now? This is just the beginning if you don't stop sticking your ass in things that are none of your business. A little warning: Next time I'll break into your room while you're inside and I'll shoot you. And I won't shoot only you; I'll shoot them too, you know who. I have you in my sights, Clerk. Let's call this the return of W."

You finished reading the note and you felt really astonished and disgusted; maybe also a bit scared; but mostly angry. How was this possible? How the hell has W found Brian and you? And why to put W if you already knew it was Karen or probably Jim? Why would they keep messing your lives? That happened in high school, you weren't teenagers anymore; it was supposed you all were mature people now. That was in the past, dammit! That stage of your life was over. It couldn't happen again; you couldn't let it happen again. You were very angry. You definitely were going to find Karen or Jim or whoever that person was to face them and show them what kind of person you were now; you were going to show them that they weren't going to mess with you and less with your friends. You bit your lips and you crumpled and tossed the note in anger. Then you looked at Brian. He was looking down with a frightened and shocked face; he was very worried and you could understand; the note was directed to him after all. You looked at Darren furtively; he was looking at the crumpled paper, bewildered. When you looked at Brian again, he had the same face. This was your fault. You were the one who forced Brian to investigate about the truth of what Darren did that night in the hotel room; this all was surely because of that; because of that stupid thing. So you were feeling very guilty; Brian lost everything because of your fault.

"I'm so sorry, Brian." You said almost in a whisper. Brian finally looked at you, frowning slightly. "I know this was my fault."

"No, it wasn't." Brian answered and looked away.

"Yes, it was and you know why." You said firmly, still feeling guilty. "But I swear I'm gonna find them and I'll show..."

"Stop, Sunny. You won't do any of that." Brian interrupted you. "Look around; look what they've done. You're not dealing precisely with nice people. If there is someone who has to do something, that's me. The note was for me, not for you. So you won't do anything; and if by chance I find out you're trying to do something, I'll be really mad at you. I'm completely serious about this." Brian said roundly, looking at you fixedly.

"Well, the note was for you, but it involved me. I'm sorry, Brian, you can get mad at me, but I won't stay idly." You answered determined.

"You won't do anything." Brian said severely, still looking at you fixedly. "Listen, I know you're trying to help and all. But this time you will stay out of this. I'm talking in all seriousness. If I find out you're trying to find them or trying to do something about, I won't talk to you again. I swear."

"Why are you being like this?" You asked in disbelief, looking at him a bit upset, frowning.

"Because this is about me, not you!" Brian replied yelling and then he sighed. "I won't let them hurt you again. So please, if you want to help me, stay out of this. Please." He said softening his voice.

"I'm so sorry, Brian. But I won't stay out of this; I won't let you carry all of this by your own." You said resolutely.

"Sorry to interrupt." Darren finally spoke. You looked at him frowning and so did Brian. "But I think Freckles is right." He said and you looked at him astonished, but then you nodded and looked at Brian. Brian was looking at Darren very serious and still frowning. "Maybe this is about you now; but remember that W started with Freckles, and then with me and Jen. Not to sound nosy, but I think Freckles can't stay out of this, because we're talking about W; so actually it is something of her business. And this is my business too. Even if now they didn't mention me nor Freckles and even if I can't understand why W would appear now; we're involved. Not for nothing the person used the pseudonym of W and not for nothing mentioned something about stirring up the past. So yeah..." Darren said a bit uncomfortable, scratching the nape of his neck because Brian was looking at him a bit annoyed that it was a bit scary.

"Darren is right. That's exactly what I think." You said quickly.

"I don't care what you guys think. W was part of your past, not your present." Brian said looking fixedly at Darren, raising an eyebrow. Then he looked at you. "You better stay out. I'm not gonna say anything else." Brian said severely and he stood up.

"Why are you like this, Brian?" You asked loudly, also standing up and looking at him incredulous. "Why are you refusing our help? Why?"

"Because I don't want more help! I don't want any help! I'm tired of people helping me all the time, trying to fix my troubles! It is my responsibility, not anybody else's! I'm tired of people having to suffer and deal with my troubles, I should be the only one suffering and dealing with all the shit!" Brian yelled with cracked voice and you looked at him sadly. "And there you are again, feeling pity for me! Ugh! I hate that!" He yelled and walked to his bedroom, banging the door behind him.

You looked at the direction in which Brian disappeared and then you looked down, biting your lips. You were feeling really bad for him, but you didn't want to feel pity for him. You just wanted to help him because he was your best friend and you loved him; you wanted to help him because he helped you when you were feeling terrible because of W and Darren. So you knew how to help him because you've been there, but he was reluctant to any kind of help; because he was surely feeling as though he didn't deserve any help. You knew that because that was exactly how you felt when the thing of W started happened and Darren and Jen tried to help you. But he did deserve help and he did need it. He needed it, no matter how much he tried to deny it; everybody needs someone sometimes, at least to lean on.

"Give him time. He just reacted like that because of all that happened." Darren suddenly said, stepping closer to you. You looked at him serious and then looked down again.

"You don't know all that is happening and you don't know him." You answered coldly. You didn't mean to be rude to him; it was just that you were worried about Brian.

"Umm, yeah. You're right about that." Darren answered in a whisper, looking down and putting his hands on the pockets of his jeans. "But I guess at least I know the feeling about receiving a threat and you know it too. Remember in high school how reluctant you were when I was trying to help you. He's feeling the same. And at the end you let me help you; so I think he's gonna let you help him."

"I hope so..." You said sighing. "I can't believe W is back."

"Me either." Darren whispered. You knew he was confused and you knew he could be expecting any kind of explanation, but you didn't want to talk about it. "Hey, listen, Freckles... I don't know what's going on and I don't wanna force you to tell me anything. But..." Darren said and he looked at you as you looked at him frowning. "I think it's not safe if you or he stay here. That person who broke in here surely knows the way to do it without being noticed. So that person could come here whenever decides and can do something really bad to you or him. Maybe you should spend the night in any other place, not here."

"I haven't thought about it." You said frowning, thoughtful. "You're right." You said looking at Darren but he was looking down and nodding. "I don't know... Meredith wouldn't feel comfortable with Brian around; she doesn't know him so well. And I don't even know if Brian would want it; he surely wouldn't feel comfortable either."

"Well, I could talk to Meredith asking her if it is okay if she stays at my room this night, so you and Brian can stay at your old room... Either that or Brian can stay at my room; Joey wouldn't mind." Darren said shrugging, still looking down.

"Would you do that?" You asked looking at him. It was very nice from him to do something like this.

"Yeah, why not?" He replied finally looking at you. You smiled at him and he smiled faintly at you.

"Thank you." You said still smiling and you held his hand to show him your gratitude. He smiled faintly again but this time he just looked at your hand. "I think the best is if you call Meredith and ask her if she can stay at your room, only for tonight. You guys are friends and I know Brian wouldn't like the idea of spending the night at your room. Not for a specific reason, only that you don't know each other so well; and maybe Brian needs me in this moment." You said softly, letting out his hand.

"Yeah, I get it. Well, I will call her now... You could go there and try to talk to him." Darren said stepping away, looking for his phone in his backpack.

"Yes, thanks." You said smiling, and he only nodded. There was something weird about him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I am." He answered, still looking for his phone. He lied; you knew it.

"Alright..." You answered, pursing your lips. You started walking to Brian's bedroom, but then you stopped and turned around to look at Darren again. "Darren?" You said and he looked up.

"Yeah?" He asked still looking at you.

"Thank you, for everything. For leading me here, I don't know how I'd have got it without your help; for trying to fix things when I was too nervous to talk, even if you didn't know what was happening; for supporting me when Brian was saying I should stay out of this and mostly because of this, for offering your help even if you don't have to. So, thanks." You said smiling at him.

"You're welcome." Darren said nodding and then he kept looking for his phone.

"Are you sure you're okay?" You asked frowning.

"Yes." He answered, finally pulling out his phone. He lied again.

"Alright... I won't take so long." You answered softly.

"Oh, it's okay. Take all the time you need, I have nothing to do..." Darren answered and he started dialing Meredith's number.

You finally walked to Brian's bedroom and when you entered it, he was lying on the floor because even his bed was broken. All the bedroom was a real mess: his clothes were dispersed everywhere and many of them were torn; one of the mattresses was torn and the other bed was completely destroyed; the pillows were also torn and the stuffing was scattered everywhere; the blankets were threadbare; you could see the box in which he probably saved the money, there was only a bogus dollar; and the photo of him and his dad that was on his nightstand was on the floor and the picture frame was shattered. You walked to him slowly and sat next to him. He was staring blankly at the ceiling, shedding some tears in silence. You just leaned and kissed his forehead as he closed his eyes. Then you placed his head on your lap and you started caressing smoothly his hair, to try to reassure him; he buried his head on your stomach.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to yell at you. I'm just a mess, but it'll pass. I'm sorry." Brian said with muffled voice.

"It's okay, Bri. I got your back." You said softly. "Everything will be alright soon, you'll see."

"I know, I know..." He said with the same muffled voice and he didn't sound convincing.

"It was Jim, wasn't him?" You asked, feeling guilt gnawing inside you.

"I don't know, Sunny." He replied in a whisper.

"Have you been investigating what I asked you about Darren?" You asked.

"Yeah..." Brian answered. "But do not think this is your fault, because it isn't. I haven't even talked to Jim; I couldn't find him or Karen."

"But they've done this because they found out you were trying to get information about what happened that day. They knew it. How?" You asked really confused.

"Sunny, I really don't know. All I've been doing was search the Internet. And I've talked to Susan, but she couldn't have done this, she's not even in the States. And I've been careful and discrete; I haven't asked anything in a direct way. I really have no idea how they found it out and how they managed to break into here; none of them are attending this University. I don't understand." Brian explained frustrated and still worried.

"I'm sorry, Brian, I should have never asked you to do it. It was something stupid and I'm so sorry." You apologized feeling very guilty, seeing again how they destroyed all the few things Brian had.

"Don't be sorry, this is not your fault. You've been helping me all this time, you shouldn't be sorry. I don't wanna hear you saying that you're sorry again, please. Promise me." Brian implored.

"Okay, I promise." You said, but still feeling guilty. "I'll pack some of your stuff now." You said placing your hands on his head to try to stand up. It wasn't necessary because Brian sat and looked at you frowning.

"What? Why?" He asked.

"Well, because you're gonna come with me and we'll spend the night at my old room." You started explaining. "And don't worry, because Darren is talking to Meredith to ask her to spend the night at his place."

"Why would he do that? And why would we go to your old room?" Brian asked frowning; you knew he wouldn't like the idea.

"Because it's not safe being here right now, Brian. The best is if we go somewhere else, just in case they break in again. I knew you wouldn't feel comfortable with Meredith around because you don't know her so well and maybe she wouldn't feel comfortable either; so Darren offered to give her room." You explained and Brian was looking away, shaking his head.

"No, I don't wanna cause more troubles. I don't wanna be the bothersome guy." Brian refused strongly. Oh damn, why did he have to make this harder?

"It's not a trouble and you're not a bothersome, Brian. Come on, you'll do it because I'm forcing you." You said firmly, finally standing up.

"No." Brian refused again.

"Excuse me, guys..." You suddenly heard Darren's voice saying shyly from the door. He was looking all around astonished. "Umm... I've talked to Meredith... Everything is fine, she's gonna stay at my room as long as you guys need."

"I truly appreciate all you're doing, man; but I won't go anywhere." Brian said roundly and Darren looked at you frowning, as searching some help. He didn't know what to say and surely he was also feeling like a meddlesome.

"Shut up, Brian and help me to pack your stuff." You said bossy, grabbing some of his clothes. "Darren, can you help me?" You asked but Darren didn't move. Surely he didn't know if that was proper to do.

"Stop, Sunny! Darren has nothing to do with this and I shouldn't be a bother to him too; he doesn't have to deal with this shit. Stop this; don't make me feel more abashed than I already am." Brian said upset, clenching his jaw. He meant to say it low so only you could hear; but he failed.

"Hey man, you're not a bother. Really." Darren said looking at Brian as Brian looked at him frowning. You just smiled at Darren; he was really helping a lot. "I know we aren't even friends, but this could never be a bother to me and I'm glad I can be useful for something."

"It shouldn't be like that, you don't even like me. You don't have to do this." Brian said now looking away, feeling embarrassed.

"Hey, man, that was in high school! We should leave it behind because everything is different now, we all have changed. I don't know you, but you seem to be a cool guy; so don't think you're a bother, dude." Darren said in a nice way and you smiled at him again.

"Thanks, man. But..." Brian said and then he looked at you severely. "I don't wanna cause troubles."

"What? It's not a trouble. Darren even offered you could stay at his room, he offered it and I didn't even propose it; so it's not a trouble, Brian." You said defensively and Brian looked at Darren frowning. Darren just nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, whatever you prefer to do, it's not a problem. But Freckles said that probably the best would be if you stay with her because you could feel uncomfortable staying at my room. So yeah, I get it." Darren said nodding and shrugging.

"Why are you even doing this?" Brian asked looking at Darren frowning and confused. Darren looked down and raised his eyebrows. Surely Brian's question made him feel uncomfortable.

"I don't know." Darren answered shrugging. "It's what I would do if something like this happens to someone I know, even if we aren't close; I guess."

"You don't have to do this, you know that right? And if she forced you, you shouldn't listen." Brian said pointing at you and you rolled your eyes.

"She didn't force me, seriously. And I know I don't have to do this, but I want to. I don't know, man. I'm just trying to be nice, my mom taught me that." Darren said with a slight smile, apparently trying to break the fraught situation. Well, at least it made Brian let out a short giggle. Darren looked at you furtively and you took advantage to mutter him a thanks; he just nodded.

"Thanks, man, really." Brian said thankful, nodding.

"There's nothing to thank." Darren said politely. "So... Do you need my help to pack some things?"

"Yes, please." You answered quickly before Brian could refuse again.

"Okay, fine. But only for tonight." Brian said standing up and you looked at him surprised, raising your eyebrows.

How was that even possible? You tried to convince him all this time and then Darren comes, says a few words and Brian accepts. That was weird, but good. Well, you were very grateful to Darren. And you just couldn't believe how nice he acted, even if he didn't know Brian at all, even if they didn't have precisely the best relationship in high school. He was just really nice, even though he could have stayed out of all of this. You were surprised, this was something good. Hopefully Darren and Brian could get along now; that would be great for you.

---

We were already in Freckles' old room and I was helping them to unpack Brian's things. We all were silent and I was still feeling as if I shouldn't be there, but I needed to talk to Freckles. When Brian was folding his clothes and putting them on the closet; I took advantage to walk to Freckles. It was now or never.

"Freckles? Can we talk?" I asked almost in a whisper. I didn't want Brian to hear.

"Right now?" Freckles asked frowning, making the bed for Brian.

"Yeah, right now." I replied.

"I don't think we could talk right now. Cannot you wait till tomorrow?" Freckles asked and I sighed, looking down.

"Yeah, whatever." I replied feeling discontented with her answer.

"Good." Freckles said distracted.

"I'm going to push off now..." I said in a whisper, placing my hands on the pockets of my jeans, pursing my lips. "I hope you guys can have a good night. If you need something, just call me." I said now loudly, so Brian could hear. He turned around and nodded.

"Bye, Darren. And thanks." Freckles greeted only waving her hand and smiling slightly. I just nodded, biting my lips and looking around and then I turned to leave, feeling disgruntled.

"Hey, hold on, man." Brian suddenly said and I turned around to look at him. "I'll take a shower if that is okay, so you guys can talk now if you want." He said grabbing a towel and I looked at him amazed. So he heard me. Freckles looked at him very serious, but Brian wasn't looking at her.

"Umm, I don't know. It's up to Freckles." I said looking fixedly at Freckles who was now looking down and pursing her lips.

"Okay, fine." Freckles said sighing.

"Cool." Brian said and he walked to me and stretched his hand and I shook it. "Thank you, man. I hope you have a good night." Brian said politely.

"You too. And thanks..." I replied looking furtively at Freckles, as letting him know why I was thankful. Brian let out a short chuckle and nodded. "See you tomorrow, I guess."

"Yeah, see you." Brian said and walked to the bathroom. Once he wasn't in the room, Freckles looked at me, serious.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" She asked intrigued.

"Can we go for a walk?" I asked and she raised her eyebrows.

"I thought you wanted to talk not to walk." She said.

"Yes, and I want to talk; but not here." I said in a whisper, a bit uncomfortable.

"Alright, just let me look for a coat." Freckles said walking to her closet.

I waited silently until she grabbed the coat and put it on, then we walked outside the building also silently. It was almost fall, so at nights it was kinda cold and I didn't have any coat, but it was okay; I just wanted to talk to her. I walked to a bench and I looked at her.

"What if we sit over here?" I asked and she just nodded.

I was the first who sat and right after she sat next to me, with her legs crossed and wrapping her arms around herself, just looking blankly at the horizon. I just sat placing my forearms on my thighs and clasping my hands together, also looking at nothing in particular. I knew she wasn't going to start talking, so I took a deep breath before starting.

"What's going on?" I asked turning my head to look at her.

"I don't know." She answered still with her gaze blankly at the horizon. I nodded pursing my lips and I turned my head again to look ahead.

"You know, Freckles? I can be a total idiot, but I'm not a fool." I said raising an eyebrow, still looking ahead.

"I don't think you're a fool." She said obfuscated, now feeling her gaze on me, yet I didn't look at her.

"Listen, Freckles, I tried to avoid talking about this in front of Brian because it wasn't proper in that moment; but now we're alone so you should be honest with me. I know this that happened wasn't pure coincidence." I said firmly looking away, but when I finished I looked at her. She was looking at me frowning and disturbed. "And I know your facial expressions very well, so you just proved me that you have at least the slightest idea of what is happening. Why don't you just tell me? I think I deserve to know." I said looking fixedly at her and she drifted her gaze, biting his lips; yet, I kept looking at her fixedly.

"I don't know why you deserve to know; I mean, I'm very thankful for your help and support; but this is something private about Brian." Freckles said roundly, frowning.

"You've always underestimated my logical capacity, haven't you?" I looked at her curiously and deeply into her eyes, with an almost cocky smile.

"Not at all." She answered curtly, looking away.

"Well, it just seems like that." I said raising an eyebrow and shrugging. "And if you hadn't underestimated it, you'd have realized that I do think, and I'm almost sure, that this doesn't have to do only with Brian. Yes, he's taking the hardest part, but there are more people involved. I know it." I said looking at her again, with a proud look.

"It's not like that. Maybe your logical capacity isn't so good after all." Freckles answered coldly, raising an eyebrow and looking away.

"Yeah? You sure about that? I'll prove you wrong and I'll tell you the theories and conclusions I've come up to by simply observing the situation today." I said challenging, looking fixedly at her. Now she looked at me intrigued and defiant, expectant to hear what I had to say. "Brian is in troubles."

"No shit Sherlock." Freckles said sarcastically and mockingly, raising her eyebrows.

"Fuck you Watson." I said trying to joke and she let out a short giggle, then I got serious again. "He has economic troubles, really serious ones. And he has these economic troubles because his father recently lost his job because he is apparently sick and it seems to be a serious illness. Brian doesn't have money to pay the rent of a room and he cannot afford the cost of University, which is very expensive. His current scholarship isn't enough for him but he cannot ask for a better one because his degrees aren't as good as before; probably because he can't focus on his studying because of all the troubles he is dealing with." I started explaining very confident and Freckles was looking at me very intently, nodding slightly. So I knew I was right about that and I wanted to see what she would think about all I had to say; so I kept talking. "He feels guilty and frustrated because he cannot even find a part-time job in here, because his father is sick and he cannot be there for him, because he cannot pay the drugs for his father that surely needs. For all of that he feels frustrated, sad and guilty; but he turns those feelings into anger and stubbornness, because he is a mess and he feels ashamed for feeling that way." I explained what I was thinking and Freckles only raised her eyebrows in surprise. It only meant that probably I was right again. "Besides, there's the fact that he doesn't feel comfortable with people constantly trying to help him out; because he feels he has to do everything by his own because it's not fair that people are suffering the consequences of his troubles; because it humiliates him and makes him feel embarrassed, because he surely thinks that his role is to be the strong guy and he cannot show his weakness in front of people; because he is a guy and guys don't cry, even if that is a big damn lie." I said raising an eyebrow, being completely subjective now, so I was aware that what I said may or may not be in fact like that. But Freckles, again, looked at me raising her eyebrows, apparently amazed. "But oh no, it wasn't enough all that was happening to him; so to make it worse, his ex-roommate decided to be a real asshole leaving him alone with his troubles, being so asshole that hasn't even had the decency to let Brian know that he hasn't paid the rent of the room, for that Brian received an eviction written note; and Brian has no way to pay it and you offered him help; but he has serious troubles to accept it because it shouldn't be like that, because he feels like a loser who has absolutely nothing. So he also has to deal with that." I kept saying and Freckles was now looking down, frowning and thoughtful, bewildered. "And then someone breaks into his room and destroys absolutely everything of the few things he has; no one believes him that he didn't do it. And we both know how it feels when no one believes you, the horrible feeling of trying to understand why it is like that, the horrible feeling of thinking that maybe you aren't worthwhile to people, that maybe no one cares about you. But he hides all of those feelings, because it mortifies him and people shouldn't know." I said now looking down and frowning slightly, remembering that feeling I didn't want to feel again. When I looked at Freckles again, she was also looking down with a sad expression. "Not only that but the person who broke into his room, stole him all the money he has saved. He's been saving money for so long and it wasn't even for himself; it was for his father, for his father's drugs. I don't know what kind of illness his father has, but it must be a serious one to have been saving so much money; and, judging by Brian's desperation, his father really needs the drugs as if it was a matter of life or death; as if he needed the money to save his father. So imagine the desperation, the heartache, the fear and the mess he was feeling when he found out that there was nothing left. And yet, he had to pretend he was fine not to worry you. So he holds back his tears, takes a deep breath, swallows his pain and draws a smile on his face to pretend he is fine not to make people feel worried; but if you take a look in his eyes, you'll see the repressed misery he is feeling; and if you get to know all he has been through, you'll completely understand it. How hard was it for him?" I said now feeling really bad for Brian.

I haven't thought about it, I just found it out when I was saying that. Whoa, that was really terrible. I looked at Freckles. She was looking down, shedding some tears in silence, frowning with a really distressed expression. Surely she also thought so well about this. I moved closer and I wrapped an arm around her to try to comfort her.

"Idiopathic Parkinson's disease with multiple system degeneration; advanced and getting worse. The doctors said that the drugs are barely having effect and the drugs are very expensive. And if he keeps getting worse he'll need a deep brain stimulation surgery, which is extremely expensive." Freckles said in a whisper while still shedding tears.

I looked at her terrified and I closed my eyes for a while, biting my lips. Shit, that was worse than what I've imagined. I was aware there was no Parkinson's disease cure; it only could be treated; so Brian would have to deal with the costs of treatments, drugs, surgeries and rehabilitation hereafter. I really didn't know what to say, I always sucked at this.

"That is terrible." I said in a whisper like a fool; it only made it worse because Freckles was now crying harder. "But hey, it'll be okay. I know Brian will find the way to get the money back for his father's drugs; and he has you. And well, I could help too; I have my very own savings and if Brian needs the money, I'd be glad to destine it on a good cause like this. There are lots of ways to raise money, I could go to a venue and sing few songs, we could perform a play, we can start selling food or you could start selling some of your artworks, and a lot of more things. And I'm pretty sure that my friends will be willing to help too. It'll take a while, but we'll get that money back, so don't worry, Freckles." I said softly, rubbing my hand on her back, seeing how she was still crying in silence.

Then she looked at me and smiled sadly before pulling me into a hug. I was surprised at first because she did it in an abrupt way, but then I held her in my arms, rubbing her back to comfort her as she was crying on my shoulder. I could finally understood what Meredith tried to say when she mentioned that Freckles wasn't going through a good moment: Her best friend was having really terrible troubles and she was feeling like she couldn't do so much to help him as she wanted. And Freckles was always like this, very caring with the people she loved; she could really be into other people's feelings.

"Thank you, Dare! You don't have to do all of this and this is so nice from you. Thank you a lot for caring. Thank you." Freckles said with choked voice, still sobbing. What she said just made my heart skip a beat and I felt thrilled.

"It's okay, that's what friends are for, right?" I said now looking at her, smiling warmly. She looked at me with her big and sweet eyes and smiled lovingly at me.

"I guess." She said giggling softly, wiping her tears away. "I'm really glad you're still around despite everything."

"Me too, Freckles." I said smiling and I hugged her again, placing my cheek against hers. Then I kissed her cheek slightly and she smiled softly.

"I have the feeling we can be good friends." Freckles said sweetly and I chuckled softly as my eyes twinkled.

"You have no idea how happy it makes me feel. Friends?" I said squinting with an amused smile, pulling out my pinkie. She looked at it and laughed.

"Friends." She said intertwining her pinkie with mine.

"You've just made a pinky promise with me, so you better don't break it. This is sacred." I said looking deeply into her eyes, biting my lips not to laugh. She looked at me amused.

"I will try, I'm afraid of what could happen if I break it." She said jokingly and I smiled proudly.

"Now, Freckles, there's something else I want to say." I said in all seriousness now. I still had to get to my point. She looked at me intrigued, expectant to hear me. "The person who broke into Brian's room only stole the money he has been saving; they didn't steal anything else, only that money. And then we all read that note, saying it was the return of W. I do think that the person who has done this is someone who is very close to Brian; I'm pretty sure that the person knew about Brian's father and how important that money was for him. Maybe it was Jim, not Karen." I said serious, looking fixedly at her.

"Well, Jim isn't close to Brian; they haven't spoken since the time Karen forced me to say I was W. So I really doubt Jim knew about the importance of the money. But anyway, I also think it was Jim." Freckles replied thoughtful.

"And there comes my point... Why would W appear again? Why after all this time? The note mentioned that Brian was stirring up the past. And with this I'm trying to say that I suspect that 'the past' the note mentioned was about you and me. After all, the person used the pseudonym of W, so I'm pretty sure it involves us because W was about us." I started saying suspiciously, looking fixedly into her eyes. Freckles shifted on the bench, uncomfortable and a bit nervous, looking away. She knew something else, I was sure. "What do you know about this, Freckles? Why Brian? Why the past? Why W? I know you know something; I knew it since I read the note. And you've been playing fool, so that is why I was kind of curtly hours ago. I know you know something that you aren't telling me and I know it involves you and me; that is why I said that I deserve to know. Tell me, Freckles." I insisted, still looking fixedly into her eyes while she was still looking away very uncomfortable. But then she sighed and looked at me.

"You're right; I shouldn't have underestimated your logical capacity. You're good, Criss." She said raising an eyebrow and nodding, admitting I was right; so I smiled victoriously. "Yes, there's something I know that you still don't know and I know exactly why W appeared again." She said bitterly when mentioned W. I looked at her very curious. "Okay, it's really embarrassing for me to say this; but well, yeah, you deserve to know because it certainly involves you as it involves me and Brian." Freckles started explaining as she blushed slightly; she was nervous. This only made me feel more intrigued, so I was right, so I was involved in this shit. "Okay, remember when we were in Munising? You told me your version of why you disappeared that night at the hotel room. I'm sure you're aware I didn't believe you and I still have troubles to believe it; even if I try, it is just weird and for me it has no sense. Sorry, I can't believe it; it just seems very elaborated and fictitious; untrue. And sorry for being so crude, but yeah, that's the truth." Freckles said.

I looked at her open-mouthed, feeling really bad; it was like whoa. Was she really still thinking that I made-up it all? Why? I told the truth. And just hearing her admitting it made me feel bad, as though someone was stabbing me in the chest. And I remembered what I told her about when no one believes you. I looked away sadly and I pursed my lips, but I nodded.

"So I needed to be sure if this wasn't one of your lies; I needed to know if you were telling the truth or not." Freckles kept saying and I kept looking down, sadly and frowning, pursing my lips. "So I asked Brian if he could try to investigate about this; I asked if he could try to talk to Jim and get something."

"You did what?" I asked in disbelief, now looking at her agape, frowning.

"Yeah, what you heard... I needed to be sure." She answered uncomfortable, looking away and sighing. Then she looked at me again and I was still looking at her incredulous. "Yes, I know, it is something stupid. But I've been lied so many times in my life that I just can't live with the doubt and I can't trust people so easily. I really needed to know." She defended herself and I raised my eyebrows, looking away.

"Okay, whatever..." I said shrugging.

"Please, don't get mad." Freckles said supplicant and I just shrugged. "Well, we'll talk about this later; now I'll keep telling you... Brian couldn't find Jim and he has been searching the Internet. He only could talk to Susan, but she didn't know anything and she isn't in the States, so Brian thinks it couldn't be her. What I think is that Susan told Jim and so Jim was the one who has done this. And it can mean that maybe you were telling me the truth..." Freckles said shyly, looking at me.

"I won't try to convince you that I told you the truth, Freckles, if that is what you're expecting." I said looking away, but I said it softly even if it hurt me the way she needed proofs to believe me.

"I'm so sorry, Darren." Freckles apologized again, but I didn't say anything. "You have to understand me; it is hard for me to trust people."

"And you have to understand me too, Freckles. It is hard for me to see that you don't believe me when I'm telling you the truth; after all the shit I did to try to find you." I said looking into her eyes, hurtful. She looked down, apparently feeling guilty. I just sighed. "Whatever, that was in the past. But it turns out that Brian and you are stirring up the past, so thanks to that W or Jim returned." I said now bitterly, looking away.

"Excuse me? Darren, are you trying to say that this all is my fault?" Freckles asked in disbelief and I just shrugged. "I can't believe it."

"You cannot believe anything, apparently..." I said in a whisper, raising an eyebrow and looking away, but she heard.

"Only because you're mad at me for what I did, doesn't give you the rights to make fun of me. I know it's not good to have this problem I have when it comes to trusting people and I'm working on that. And only because I had that stupid idea of asking Brian if he could investigate about this, doesn't mean that I wanted this to happen or that I was expecting this to happen. I already feel very guilty myself for everything; so if all you have to say is that I'm guilty, then I'll tell you yes, I am, but I'd appreciate if only for tonight you don't mention me that because I have to be positive for Brian who's going through real shit." Freckles said softly and sadly, looking blankly at the horizon. I looked at her and I felt kinda bad for what I said.

"Hey, I really didn't mean to make you feel guilty for what is happening; you are not. And I'm not making fun of you, I was just feeling frustrated because you cannot believe me. But I guess I should understand you, I just need... time to settle this." I said softly, looking at her, but she didn't look at me. "It always happened to me, I was always screwing things up, right? It didn't change, eh? Call me the 'blow it' guy." I exclaimed trying to joke but saying the truth, though. She finally looked at me with a slight smile.

"Hmm..." She murmured, shrugging, a bit amused. "You always knew the perfect way to fix what you screwed up. So every time you did it, it was worth it; because I always loved the way you tried desperately to fix things. It was cute and funny; and I loved those things about you." She said smiling sweetly and I stared her eyes for a while, also smiling. Whoa, so many memories... I needed to think about something funny or silly to say to avoid this awkward feeling.

"Oh well, I had my very own efficient techniques. Like this look..." I said looking at her with the 'puppy' eyes as she called it. "Accompanied with this..." I said with sadly voice, pouting as she was looking at me amused. "And then I used to do this..." I said holding both of her hands and placing them on my heart as she chuckled. "And I continued it with a sweet kiss... But considering we're not in terms to do it... Maybe I could try this..." I said and I kissed her cheek, pressing my lips on her cheek for a while. Then I looked into her eyes with the same puppy eyes and pout. "Please, forgive me?" I said supplicant. She giggled but I really meant it.

"So all this time, I've been tricked! After more than a year I finally realized that it was all about a technique!" She said laughing.

"A very efficient one." I said winking, in a jokingly way. "But if it makes you feel good, I only used it with you because you were the only one worthy to witness such a big effort." I joked.

"Oh, I feel flattered!" She exclaimed laughing out loud.

"Everything for my Freckles." I said amused, grabbing her hand and kissing it softly as a gentleman. Freckles couldn't stop laughing and that made me laugh along with her; her catchy laughter remained intact. "And I can tell it still works on you, so I feel proud of myself." I said mischievously looking at her and she shook her head, giggling.

"You're a dork." She said amused.

"Full-time dork." I added, also amused. "Or as a certain day I said... I'm adorkable."

"Oh, I remember that. Adorkable, that means dork and adorable, right? I remember; and I also remember that you drew a winky face." Freckles said smiling amused. I couldn't believe she also remembered that time when I started sending her notes in middle of Spanish class at high school. That was awesome.

"Oh yeah, and you answered me a very rude 'bye'. Bye? Was that with all you could come up? Really?" I asked amused.

"It's not my fault! You were acting like a physco! Who writes down on a note 'Do you copy me? Do you copy me?' Who?" She asked laughing out loud and I laughed along with her.

"The adorkable guy!" I exclaimed loudly in between giggles. "You cannot deny the fact that I'm original." I said winking and she chuckled.

"I'll never deny it." She said smiling widely.

"So, with all of this I will assume that you forgave me. Are we okay?" I asked looking at her with a smile.

"Yes, we're okay." She said chuckling and punching my arm playfully, so I did the same.

"Sometimes I think it's impossible to us to have a serious conversation. I mean, yeah, we had and we have a lot of serious long conversations; but we always end up commenting something silly, funny or random. Like our conversations aren't boring and at the same time they aren't superficial. That is the great thing about us, don't you think?" I asked randomly, looking at her. She was frowning with an amused smile.

"Yes, you're right. We're totally awesome, quoting you." She answered with a wink and I laughed.

"I love you." I said still laughing and it sounded wrong and I didn't want her to misunderstand me, so I corrected it. "As a friend."

"Yes, I love you too, as a friend." She replied snickering and it made me smile.

"So, back to our serious conversation..." I started saying, trying to talk in all seriousness again and she looked at me intently. "We have a problem." I said roundly and she bit her lips probably not to laugh by the obvious thing I said as if it was like a whole new discovery. "Yeah, well... Hey! Do not laugh!" I exclaimed amused when she started chuckling.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She said covering her mouth and then she took a deep breath and looked at me serious. "You can continue."

"Okay... So, assuming is Jim the one who has done this... What are we gonna do from now on? I mean, I cannot believe this all started again, and now they're also harassing Brian. And you read the note, they won't stop. What is that shit? I thought that stage of our lives was over." I exclaimed kinda upset.

"Yeah, I thought the same. But you know? No matter what Brian wants, I won't stay idly like in high school. I'm no longer like that scared little girl. I learned how to be strong and face every kind of crappy situation." Freckles answered very self-confident that it amazed me. "If I have to go, find Jim and hit him straight in his face; I'll do it with no hesitation. But he won't mess again; I'm really not scared of him, because he's just a stupid poor guy who has nothing good to do with his miserable life. I'm only scared that Brian can break and feel depressed for what is happening; and I won't let it happen either." She said firmly in a very positive way and I looked at her surprised.

"Whoa! You just sounded so badass." I said amazed and she just smiled and shrugged.

"Well, I just want to face that idiot. Who does he think he is to appear again and mess around in other people's lives? It happened once, it won't happen twice." She said very firmly.

"I'd be super honored if you let me help you to find Jim. I also want to punch him straight in his face since a long time ago." I said thinking about the night he threatened me with a gun, telling me I had to leave Freckles. The asshole ruined my life at some point.

"Yes, it would be good to get some kind of help." Freckles agreed.

"So, is this a deal?" I said stretching my hand.

"It's a deal." She said shaking my hand.

"We're gonna kick the crap out of Jim." I assured and she laughed.

Then Freckles' phone buzzed. Surely it was Brian, we've been out like for hours, it was really late and surely he was worried or something. I checked the time, it was 2am. Damn! We have been talking like for 4 hours and I really needed to get some sleep and do all the overdue assignments. Maybe it was time for both of us to say goodbye and sleep. When I looked at Freckles, she seemed to be really furious. I frowned in confusion.

"What's wrong?" I asked intrigued.

She didn't answer, she only handed me her phone, looking away, frowning and clenching her jaw in anger. I hesitated before grabbing it because I was really confused and maybe it wasn't proper to read her text messages; but she insisted and for some reason she wanted me to read it; so I took her phone and I started reading the text message.

"Well, hello again, pimple face. Surprised to hear about me again? It's been a while. How funny it'll be to destroy you a second time! I have a little question for you: Does your friend Clerk prefer red or black roses for his father's funeral? -W-"