Well, hello again! :) My sincerest apologies that it has taken RIDICULOUSLY long for me to update! I'm HOPING it will not take this long again, seeing as how school life has toned down quite a bit. Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR lol... better late than never! I was struggling a lot with this chapter, mostly because it came off as super awkward and wasn't up to where I wanted it to be. I'm still feeling iffy about it, but hopefully I will make it up to you with better chapters in the future :)

Just wanna say THANK YOU soooo much for reading and/or reviewing... and having such patience with me! I appreciate every ounce of support and just wanna give ya one more good fic to read :D

Enjoy! ;) 1.16.11

Disclaimer: I don't own South of Nowhere or the characters. However, I do own the stanzas in the beginning of this chapter from a poem called "Undying Love."

"Your smile is that of sensation,
Of sweet sunrays dancing in the sky."

I sighed softly, rubbing my eyes as I rolled from my side onto my back. My mind could only comprehend two things: the light on my nightstand was on… and it's ridiculously early that I bet my alarm clock's not even awake.

"What are you doing?" My voice rasped as I still felt dazed from deep sleep.

"Go back to sleep." Liz whispered. "It's early." I blinked hard before squinting to look at her lying on her stomach, jotting something down in a small notebook.

"How early?" I shielded my eyes.

She looked over at my alarm clock. "About 5:30 in the morning."

I slammed the pillow over my head, simultaneously groaning. It was maybe a second later when I could feel weight shifting over me and nothing but impish thoughts filling her mind. Liz lifted the pillow as I barely opened my eyes. She smiled at me as if it was Christmas morning, her black bangs hanging forward over one eye. It was sexy.

"Your eyes are those of stars glistening by,
Of mysterious temptations."

I could fall in love with her poems.

"What are you doing up so early… on a Monday morning?"

She looked at me as if it was super obvious. "We have class."

"In about three hours!" I playfully threw the pillow at her.

"Hiya!" She feigned a karate block.

"Oh my gosh… go back to sleep!" I half whined, half laughed at her silly pose.

"Did I forget to mention I'm a morning person?"

"Clearly." I readjusted my head. "What were you writing?"

"Poetry. I was inspired in the moment."

"What moment?"

"Your face is that of serenity,
Of some great relief to my troubled mind."

She smiled again as she lay herself on top of me. "This one." She whispered before placing her lips on mine, which I gratefully accepted.

"Your lips are those of the soft flower kind,
Of a tinge of perfection in the brevity."

I sighed, partially turned on by her creativity with words.

She pulled back, still hovering over me and leaving with the fresh scent of Listerine on my lips.

I made a quick glance at my alarm clock that still hasn't gone off. "I hate you." I whispered, but with a small smile.

"No you don't." Liz giggled before lightly kissing my lips again.

"And that's gross." I quickly covered my mouth with my comforter. "How can you kiss someone with morning breath?" I muffled.

"I don't care." She shrugged. "And they say when you don't care about the morning breath, it really must be love."

Love? Is it really?

I've grown to like Liz… a lot. We've only dated for several weeks, but nearly every second of my day, it does feel like love. Maybe that's the honeymoon stage talking. There were so many occasions where she'd want to tell me that she loves me, but she always stops herself, thinking it's too soon. She doesn't want to rush things. We see each other nearly everyday, and when we're not with each other, we're texting back and forth or talking on the phone. We go on amazing dates. She spends the night. I spend the night. And, yet, I stop myself because I need to be sure. Sometimes it's too good to be true. I have to be sure it's the real thing. That she's the real thing.

"Most of all, it's really love when you feel comfortable enough to rip one in front of each other."

I giggled underneath the covers.

"What's so funny?"

"You're silly." I pulled her down into an embrace, staring at her fingers entwined with mine.

"Your hands are those of strong desire,
Of security around mine."

She sighed, succumbing to my warmth and allowing loving words to linger at the tip of her tongue before holding it in as she quietly cleared her throat. I ran my fingers through her soft black hair, thinking of nothing past this moment.

"Your touch is that of cold winds confined,
Of the entrapment of burning fires."

Because in this moment, it felt like love. And I wanted to let it be… and not think about what it had to mean.

"Your soul is that of a beautiful gift from above,
Of complete clarity in morning dew."

And we stayed this way, listening to each other's calming sighs. Neither of us thought of this moment as inadequate…

"And so my heart is that which beats and thrives for you.
It is that, tainted with undying love."

Only Perfect.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Liz sat up and shut my alarm off, the clock now showing it was 6. She brushed her bangs aside, looking down at me from her straddling position before pulling the collar of her round-necked sweater over her exposed shoulder.

"I'll go make us some breakfast, 'kay?" She sounded relaxed. I nodded as she let go of my hand and made her way off the bed. When she opened the door, I caught a glimpse of Madison dragging herself into the kitchen.

"You're up early." Liz narrated.

"Well," Madison yawned loudly, "who could sleep last night with all that noise you two were making?"

Noise? I pulled my covers above my head, hiding my embarrassed demeanor.

"Wh-whaaaat?" I could practically hear Liz's cheeks redden as she failed to deny it. "Must've been the damn neighbors. How inconsiderate of them!"

I tried hard to stifle my giggling.

"Uh-huh." Madison grabbed the coffee grind canister out of the cupboard and poured some into the coffeemaker. "It's unfortunate you can't call in a noise complaint on your own roommate."

I got up and put my robe on before walking out into the living room. "Think of it as retribution for all those times you and Aiden kept me up with your animalistic sex marathons."

"Well, look who's alive!" Madison placed her hands on her hips, diverting her sarcastic remarks in my direction. "I'm surprised you could even walk."

"I should say the same thing about you!" I sat on the barstool, arbitrarily browsing the Nordstrom catalog on the countertop as Liz started rummaging the kitchen to cook some eggs and bacon. "Ashley and I had to carry you home last night."

"Spence," she raised a brow at me, "that was Friday night. It's Monday morning."

I stopped to think for a second. "Oh." I looked back down at the catalog just to divert my eyes and any feelings of embarrassment. "My, how time flies."

"Yeah, when you're fucking like bunnies."

I picked up the catalog and flung it at Madison. She managed to dodge the flying object as it hit the toaster next to Liz.

Madison stuck her tongue out at me and burst into laughter, "Sucka!"

Liz turned around, "Geez, what was that all about?" She handed the catalog back to me as Madison poured water into the coffeemaker.

"Nothing." I continued to shoot daggers at Madison. "She's just being an asshole."

She continued snickering to herself as she walked past us to go to her room.

By the time Liz and I got to class, we were already 20 minutes late and had to tiptoe our way to some empty seats in the back of the lecture hall. We got caught up in a make-out sesh over breakfast after Madison had left for work. I couldn't recall if we even finished eating or when it was that we had actually progressed to the shower, but it was really hard to get ready without being so attached to one another. I mean, we practically multitasked the copping of feels and brushings of teeth, which only delayed things once we started having a toothpaste fight. Everything was just super sensual and addicting. Like a drug. And I didn't want to part from it. Not even for a second. Yeah, we're soooo in the lovey dovey stage.

"So, what'd we miss?" Liz whispered to me as she plopped down in her seat.

"You're asking me?" I whispered back. "Your bad habits are starting to rub off on me."

"And vice versa. I've never licked toothpaste off of someone before. Whipped cream? Yes. Toothpaste? No."

We both laughed quietly, which immediately stopped the second Steinhaus gave us the usual look.

"Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a model that can be classified as such." He drew the red pointer up and down the large projection screen displaying the hierarchy pyramid on Powerpoint. "The foundation of the pyramid starts with physiological needs. Food and water. Then, we move up to safety, shelter and stability." Steinhaus waddle across the stage to stand behind the podium. "Once a person has attained these two levels, he or she can then attempt to gain a sense of love and belonging, followed by esteem, success and status." He dabbed his forehead with his hanky. "And finally, self-actualization as the pinnacle of the model, is defined as a higher sense of self, which is something that is very difficult to attain."

I looked over at Liz who never seemed to take any particular interest in psychological theory. She just needed the class for the units. Lately, she'd spend class time doodling on my notebook or writing poetry for open mic nights at The Poetry Lounge. She started writing a new poem that sounded very much like a political satire on global economy.

But, even though Psych is just my minor, it made me really think about theory and how it applied to my life… and the people in it…

"Self-actualizing individuals are characterized as having the ability to easily distinguish between what's true and what's false. They're normally driven by finding solutions to problems outside of themselves. They are comfortable being alone, but have very healthy personal relationships with a small group of close individuals. They also tend to be spontaneous and creative, and can usually exercise a certain degree of free will as they're not overly bound by social conventions." Steinhaus paused to pocket his hanky. "Ultimately, self-actualizing individuals' needs are fulfilled and they have a great sense of self, as it relates to the surrounding world that they are a part of."

…And at that moment, one particular person came to mind.

"Before we end class, I just wanted to remind you all that your personality theory papers are due in two weeks." Steinhaus attempted to speak up louder than all the commotion of everyone packing up their things to leave. "And please stop by during office hours if you need feedback before turning them in. Have a good week!"

Liz stood up and flung the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder. "Hey, wanna grab lunch when I get out of class around 12:30?"

"Sure!" I lifted my backpack. "Call me when you're out so I know where to meet you."

"Yeah, and I need to copy your notes, too."

"Well, what do I get in return?"

"I can think of many things." She smirked, as she thought many a dirty things. "But you should go before you're late for class."

"Yeah, yeah," I chuckled before hugging her, "you and your dirty mind. That could take hours."

"Ha," she feigned embarrassment as she let me go, "I'll see you later."

The sun was out this morning, but thankfully, there was a nice breeze going to keep me cool as I power-walked at medium pace to my next class. I couldn't help but think that I was partly looking forward to seeing Ashley. It was more of a feeling that a thought, especially because I couldn't explain why. I just did.

And then I thought of how teachers used to make bad kids write the same phrase over and over again on the chalkboard, so as to discipline them into not doing a certain action again. I pictured myself writing the same phrase on a chalkboard. I will not let her ninja me. I will not let her ninja me. I will not let her ninja me.

When I walked into the lecture hall, this overwhelming feeling of urgency took over. I briefly looked around to see if I could spot her, but at the same time, I didn't want to seem so overeager. In the two seconds that I didn't find her, I resorted to sitting relatively near where we'd sat last time she got kicked out of class. Perhaps she would be a creature of habit. But, then again, the girl is unpredictable.

Why am I investing so much thought into this one person?

I placed my backpack in the aisle seat next to me… you know… just in case. Professor Weihmeier stood at the podium, preparing the material he was going to lecture on, and it was not surprising that everyone's thoughts centered around everything but school… "Two bags of Cheetos should suffice as a meal substitute, right?" "Ugh, I hate her. Why do I even talk to her?" "Why is Weihmeier wearing that tie?" "I should've ditched class to go tanning and shopping before the party tonight!" "I wonder what kinda panties she's wearing." "She's a cold, heartless bitch. She deserved contracting gonorrhea." "Did I forget to unplug my curling iron?" I pulled my notebook out and arbitrarily flipped through my phone, periodically glancing around, yet trying not to be so obvious.

"Is this seat taken?" A familiar voice resonated in my ears, vanquishing all thoughts and deafening all conversations I could hear in the room. I looked up at her, somewhat taken aback and I couldn't comprehend why. After all, I was anticipating this. She smiled… the way she always does. And I wondered what she was thinking. Her eyes gazed back down to my backpack. "Stupid question," Ashley scoffed to herself, "of course it's taken." She turned to find another seat.

"A-actually," I blurted, "you're in luck." I shrugged before pulling my backpack off and placing it on the floor between my feet.

"Alright," she smiled again and it only made me even more intrigued. "It's perfect actually." She exhaled as she sat down. "I can easily escape in the event that Dan kicks me out again." We smirked at each other and all the while, I felt something tugging inside my chest. I took a deep breath, directing my attention forward.

Maybe that burning hasn't subsided.

No, you know what? It's probably just heartburn.

I will not let her ninja me.

"I will not let her ninja me."

"What?" Dammit!

"Huh?" I briefly looked at her.

"Did you say something?"

"Nope!" My head went down as I attempted to look preoccupied with writing in my notebook. And all I wrote was today's date.

"How's Madison doing?"

"She's good." I started to doodle other things on the blank page. Flowers, butterflies, my name. "Minimal hangover."

"That's good to hear! We should do it again sometime." Eh. "You had fun, right?"

"Yeah." I arbitrarily responded. Why wouldn't I have fun? I continued to squint at my doodling, adding some shading to the petals and acting as disinterested as possible.

"I'm sorry about that crazy chick."

I finally looked at her. "What crazy chick?"

"The one who practically stripped your clothes off."

I felt my cheeks flush for a second. "Oh, that wasn't your fault."

"I know, but she shouldn't have disrespected you like that. I should've stepped in sooner."

"You couldn't have known." I shrugged it off. "The important thing is that you did step in."

"I'm sorry anyway," she whispered, now directing her attention forward. Something tells me she might have been apologizing for something else.

"Alright, let's get started, shall we?" Weihmeier's voice echoed from the loudspeakers. "Today, we'll be discussing freedom in terms of the Cartesian Dualism principle. Anyone know the meaning behind Descartes' theory?" He began to pace across the stage. One student in the front section raised her hand, catching the professor's attention. "Yes?"

"Descartes' dualism theory poses the idea that although the rational mind controls the body's functions and actions, the body can also control the supposedly rational mind."

"Right." He paused before switching back the other way. "So, how can we free human beings have true freedom if our rational minds aren't always the source of control?" Weihmeier paused again, waiting for contention. "In other words, are we truly free if our bodily functions and physical actions occur without our actual decision to do so?"

Another student raised his hand and immediately replied, "well, my heart is beating and my lungs are breathing without me actually deciding to do so."

I was very briefly distracted as I noticed Ashley checking her purse for her cell phone, and quickly reading the text message she received.

"True, but your brain is still regulating that bodily function. Your rational mind is still making the choice to keep you alive, even if you aren't stopping to think about it." The corner of Weihmeier's mouth curled upward as he placed one hand on the knot of his necktie.

"Pathetic." Ashley mumbled, seemingly bored with the topic at hand.

"What?" I turned to her.

"Dan's getting all cocky and overconfident. You can tell when he shakes the knot of his tie and talks with a condescending tone."

"I guess you've had your fair share of classes with him to notice, huh?" I tried to incite perhaps some information on why she seems like she's taken every class the university has to offer.

"He's just trying to boost his ego after being rejected, yet again, for a teaching fellowship at Stanford."

Another student spoke up, "So, you're saying that if I were to, hypothetically, get drunk and act out of sheer passion by hooking up with some random chick, I have no freedom because I didn't make the rational decision to do so?" The class laughed.

Weihmeier, also slightly amused, placed his hands on his hips, "Yes, Descartes would say that."

"I love Descartes!" The male student announced as most of the class laughed harder, while some ladies made mental notes not to come across that guy… ever.

"Oh, please!" Ashley stood up as the class quickly quieted down and turned to look at the bold brunette. Here we go again. "Acting out of 'sheer passion' (yes, she used quotation marks) is just an excuse this Cartesian groupie is using to get into a girl's pants."

"Miss Davies—"

"No!" She held up her hand. "I have a point to make."

"Then make it quickly and respectfully." His tone became stern.

"Passion is such a fairytale." Ashley stepped into the aisle and began to lecture the class. "If this douchebag," she pointed at the baffled student, "were to drink to inebriation, he already exercised the freedom and knowingly made the decision to do so, regardless of the repercussions that would result from such a choice." She paused. "So, Dan, you're missing a huge factor of Cartesian Dualism… which is timing of the rational mind to make decisions that would influence the body. Descartes is wrong."

"Hmm. That's one opinion." Weihmeier was stumped, yet again. I could hear his mind spinning.

"The body cannot influence the mind because at the root of it all, the mind still makes the ultimate decisions." Ashley pressed on. "In other words, if your neck detested that abhorrent tie, it would have no freedom of choice but to obey your supposedly rational mind in wearing it." Half the class laughed and the other half gasped in shock at her audacity. She always pushes too far. Whether she means to or not is still a mystery.

"OUT!" The enraged Weihmeier yelled. "And don't return to my class until you can have the decency to be respectful to myself and your peers!"

She smiled so haughtily, grabbing her belongings and making her way out the back entrance. And again, I found myself grabbing my things and following thereafter. Déjà vu much?

Ashley scuffed her boots on the somewhat damp pavement as she walked over to the nearby tables and placed her belongings next to her. She reached into her purse for her phone and cigarettes before sitting down.

"Would it kill you to be nice to Weihmeier?"

"Yes," she placed a cigarette between her lips and lit it, "and I'm too young to die." She took a quick drag and blew the smoke away from me before turning in my direction.

"You know, I don't mean to sound like a Cartesian groupie or anything," I smirked as I sat next to her, "but, that guy did have some logic about acting out of passion."

"Really?" Ashley scoffed. "You believe that bullshit?"

"I just… know what it's like to not have to think about how you feel. You kinda just… go with your emotions even if they don't make sense."

"So, that night at the Dubliner when you kissed me," she paused as I started to blush profusely, "that was an act of sheer passion?"

"No," I didn't know how to defend myself when she could easily call me out like that. "I was drunk. That was different."

"Please," Ashley grinned. "You wanted to kiss me." Before I could speak up, she caught me off guard, yet again. "It's okay. I'm not saying I regretted it." She continued to smile at me. I took a deep breath, not knowing why there was this tightening, burning sensation in my chest.

"Well," and here is a perfect example of Cartesian Dualism where my mouth speaks before rationality can filter it out, "considering I detest smokers and the taste of ashtrays, I'm surprised I didn't regret it either." My eyes grew wide as the words I spat began to sink in to my rather dense brain. "Or, I mean… you know… how is it possible to regret something I don't even remember?" Terrible save. Sometimes, I shouldn't say words!

"Whatever you say." Ashley giggled to herself and continued to smoke her cigarette, forfeiting any decision to continue arguing with me. "So, what are you doing out here anyway, besides pointing out my bad habits?"

My eyes widened for a quick second… because I was honestly stumped. Why did I follow her out?

"I-I… uh… wanted to ask… for your help."

"Yeah?" Ashley sat up, somewhat intrigued. "With what?"

"With my paper." I said with such conviction. I'm getting a little better with these improvisations. "For Personality Theory."

"Hmm. Personality Theory, huh?" She took another drag as I nodded. "With Steinhaus?"

I nodded again. "Yeah, how'd you know?"

"I took that class. Steinhaus is a tough grader." Ashley sat there with a contemplative look.

"Tell me about it." I scoffed. "How'd you do?"

"Got an A." She said it as if getting an A in his class was as easy as breathing.

"Great!" I sat up with a hopeful expression. "So, you'll help me then?"

I felt like a complete dumbass because she just sat there and stared at me unresponsively, and I began to wonder if I'd said anything to offend her. It's one thing for me not having the ability to read her thoughts. But, it's a whole other thing when she consciously decides not to acknowledge certain words that come out of my mouth, especially when they end in question marks. Way to add to her already perplexing persona!

"I guess that's a no." I muttered before I got up and grabbed my belongings.

"Where are you going?" Ashley dropped the rest of her cigarette on the ground before stepping on it.

"Back to class, I guess."

"I got a better idea." She stood to meet my gaze. "Jton texted me that she's at the Beverly Center with Madison. Wanna ditch class with me?"

"What are you guys? The three best friends that anyone could have?" I smirked at my sarcastic remark.

She shrugged. "It seems Madison likes to hang with the gays."

I laughed. "So she does! Sure, I'll go."

"Good. I'll drive." She flipped the keys in her hand.

The car ride was an odd one, to say the least. And I began to question why I never offered to drive myself separately. The extremely quiet hum of the Prius only made the silence in the air even louder. I was actually gratefully for the humming engine and the pounding sound of the tires hitting the bumps and potholes in the road. After a lifelong custom of hearing thoughts pass in and out of my mind like a busy airport, it was odd to find myself surrounded by someone else's cloak of silence.

"What's your paper about?" Ashley's voice was a nice break from the silence.

"I have to write a paper on a role model or political leader who embodies one of the personality theories. I'm leaning towards Abraham Maslow's self-actualization theory and I figured you could give me some pretty solid advice on how to write about the Dalai Lama, since you know him."

"Knew him." She blurted. Her mouth gaped again to formulate words, but all she let out was a sigh before she tightened her lips.

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Hold things in and not say what's on your mind."

"'Cause I can't just trust everybody I talk to." Ashley scoffed. "Do you always tell people what's on your mind?"

"No," I shrugged. "But, you already know you can trust me. I never told anyone your secret. And I never will."

Ashley remained unmoved. I guess it's just another typical moment where she decides not to acknowledge the words I say, much less the sincerity behind them.

"So," I shrugged, noticing her desire to change topics, "does your family live in Portland?"

"Yes." She replied so briefly before reaching out to turn the radio on.

One thing that's certain: she clearly likes to avoid conversations about herself, the accident, Portland… any of it. And I wasn't sure if she'd ever willingly talk about it.

When we got to the M.A.C. store, I could see Jton sitting in a chair with her back to us as Madison continued to apply some shadow onto the poor girl.

"Hey hey!" Ashley greeted them as we walked into the store, though they remained perfectly still, Jton especially. "The fun has officially arrived."

"Oh, no!" I shook my head, speaking to Jton. "Did Madison dupe you into becoming her latest make-up guinea pig?"

"Actually, no." Jton turned around after Madison stepped back. Ashley and I instinctively gasped at the sight of lime green and turquoise eye shadow overpowering her boldly lined eyes and thick, fake eyelashes. If I didn't know any better, I would've run for the hills, screaming and flailing my arms about. "I bet that Madison couldn't do me up like a drag queen."

"You clearly don't know the extent of Madison's skills." I shook my head in pity.

"I think she's proven you wrong." Ashley chuckled as Madison basked in all her glory. "You can take it off now before you scare away the customers."

"Thanks for being a good sport!" Madison handed her a make-up remover wipe as they giggled to themselves. "You don't actually have to buy me lunch though."

"Nah, we made a bet. I intend to stick to it." My ears perked and my mind tingled, only because Jton lowered her voice a smidge and I could sense her underlying intent. "I would buy lunch even if you lost." They smiled at one another while Jton continued to wipe the make-up off to a more subtle look.

"Hopeless flirt." Ashley mumbled to me as if she was reading my mind.

"Tell me about it." I mumbled back, making sideways glances at the unusual pair.

Madison turned to me, "Spence, what are you doing here? Don't you usually have class at this time?"

"Ash got kicked out of Weihmeier's class."

"Same story, different day." Ashley shrugged. "I decided to drag Spence along."

Jton squinted at us as if she was making a scientific observation. "Interesting that they were annoyed with one another last Friday, but now they're on nickname basis."

"Tell me about it." Madison nodded.

"What can I say?" Ashley glanced at me as she said so smugly, "I won her over."

"Please." I rolled my eyes. "There you go again—"

"Okay, well… I'm on break." Madison quickly interrupted. "Wanna go for coffee?"

"Sure, why not?" I responded.

"As long as it's not hodge-podge." Ashley smirked at me.

"Oh my god..."

I dismissed Ashley comment as I noticed Madison's mouth agape, staring hurtfully at a scene I'd often wished she wouldn't have to see.

"What is it?" Jton asked, following our glances.

"What is she doing here?" Madison muttered. "Aren't there enough men in Michigan for her to throw herself at?"

Aiden strutted around the corner with one arm around what appeared to be the infamous Sasha Miller and the other bearing several shopping bags that obviously belonged to her.

"Don't tell me she's the same skanky brunette he was draping himself all over last week." I mumbled back.

"Ugh." She furrowed her eyebrows at the thought.

Madison could do nothing but act on her fiery emotions as she mouthed a well-annunciated 'fuck you!' to the brunette who knowingly grinned at my friend. I could hear it in Aiden's thoughts as well. He cleverly played the game well enough to press Madison's buttons.

I immediately turned to face Madison, firmly gripping both of her shoulders. "Look at me." Her angered eyes panned to mine. "He's just trying to get to you, okay? I know he is. His thoughts don't lie."

"He's messing with the wrong girl!" Jton jumped up and marched out the door.

"Where are you going?" Ashley yelled after her.

"I hope she doesn't do anything stupid." I looked to Ashley.

"That makes two of us." She responded.

I turned back to Madison. "Stay here. We'll be back with Jton."

Ashley followed me out of the store to the right. We briefly noticed Jton getting off the escalator before we made our way in that direction.

"Does she have the tendency to act so rashly?" I glared back at the brunette.

"Well, she doesn't necessarily use all her brain cells when she makes decisions."

"What does she plan to do anyway?"

Ashley shrugged, "I have no idea. Maybe cuss 'em out? Jton's harmless."

"Are you always this casual about everything?"

"Only because you insist on blaming me for everything that goes wrong. I'm flattered that I'm the center of your universe and all, but—"

I scoffed. "How will we ever fit that big head of yours through doorways, Davies?"

"Ouch! Does that mean we're not on nickname basis anymore?" She feigned disappointment, placing her hands back into her coat pockets once we got off the escalator.

I decided to ignore her comments while I sifted through the many faces in the small crowds of people I weaved around.

"Jton's a big girl. She does what she wants. It's not up to me to be her mother." Ashley paused. "Besides, the guy's such a douche. You said it yourself. What does it matter what Jton does?"

I stopped abruptly in front of the True Religion store and quickly backtracked towards Ashley who was casually strolling on a few paces behind me. "Because Aiden's my friend too. And as douchey as it is to be playing these stupid games by walking around with Sasha Miller on his arm, he loves Madison. He doesn't wanna do this."

"Weren't you the one who said Madison needed to get her priorities straight and make decisions for herself?" She reiterated my words from last Friday. "Well, maybe you should let Aiden do the same. After all, he is your friend, too. You said it yourself."

"Yeah, well, his priorities are all messed up right now."

"And you're going to straighten them all out, right?" She scoffed. "You do that, and I will worship the ground you walk on."

"These are my friends. You don't know what's best for them."

"And you do?"

"Yeah, maybe I do."

"Even if you did, it's not up to you to decide things for other people… even if they are your friends."

"Watch me. They'll thank me for it in the end." I responded with such assertion.

"You know, you're kinda cute when you care too much." Her remark caught me completely off guard. And to top it off, her trademark grin dissipated my frustrations and I immediately felt perplexed.

I furrowed my eyebrows and gave Ashley a dirty look… because that's all I've got up my sleeve. I shook my head, not understanding the relevance of what she was saying. But, maybe that's the point: to get me to lighten up and think about something else for a change.

"Is that Ashley?" A single thought resounded in my head like a cathedral with such a vengeful tone. "That bitch!"

I instinctively grabbed Ashley's hand and pulled her into the corridor to my left, following the direction of the restrooms and pay phones. I could hear her breathing hard as I took another sharp turn into the door leading out into the parking garage.

"Shh." I let go and turned to brace the now closed door with both hands, carefully pressing my ear up to hear what I assumed were Yvette's footsteps continuing down the corridor to the restrooms.

"What are you doing?" She exhaled.

"Okay. She's gone." I turned and took a step in front of Ashley, now noticing her strange demeanor.

"Who?" She pressed her back against the wall and slouched a bit. Her eyes were fixated on the ground.

"Yvette."

"Oh." She placed her hands on her knees, continuing to catch her breath.

"Are you okay?"

She took another deep breath. I saw her knees begin to buckle before I reached out and held her up, her weight now leaning on me as I used the wall for leverage. I could feel her hot breath dance across my shoulder.

"Ash, what's wrong?" I grew even more concerned.

"My head's spinning and I feel all light-headed." Her grip grew a bit tighter as she leaned into me in her attempt to stand upright.

"Are you asthmatic?"

"No." She exhaled sharply. "This has never happened to me."

"Maybe you're hyperventilating." I wrapped my arm around her waist and grabbed the hand that was resting on my shoulder. "Let's find a place to sit down."

"Wait, do you feel that?" She mumbled, looking up at me.

"Feel what?" I looked into her eyes. Waiting for… I don't know what. But, now thoughts started swarming in my head. My own thoughts. They betrayed me. I could only feel her pulse beating rapidly. What was she trying to tell me?

When two people look into each others eyes this long… and within such close proximity… there's only one thing that usually results from this. I felt awkward, mostly because I knew I should've looked away, but I couldn't. And at the same time, neither did she.

"That."

"What are you saying, Ash?" I asked almost inaudibly.

Instantaneously, we heard the parking garage door quickly swing open and slam against the wall. Jton came running in, shaking her right hand and gripping her knuckles. She winced a bit before looking up at us. I could feel Ashley immediately let out of our (I don't know what to call it)… embrace. She swiped at whatever beads of sweat were gathering at her hairline before using all her energy to stand on her own. I briefly looked to her if she needed help, but she seemed to want to put some distance between us.

"Good! I found you guys." Jton trudged in front of me. "We should get out of here… now."

"What'd you do?" Ashley inquired, still looking a bit dazed.

"I knocked Aiden out." She flexed her fingers and clenched her hand into a fist, still cupping her hurt hand. "What the hell happened to you?" Jton's glances went from Ashley, to me, and then back to Ashley. She started to think I'd done something to her.

"I slipped." Ashley's weight shifted to one leg. "Big, yellow caution sign out there. Wet floors. I totally ate it."

"You alright? Are you hurt?"

"I'm good." Ashley quickly sniffled to downplay her deep breathing. "Let's go." She led us out.