Yes hi hello, my lovelies! Sorry for not having a chapter up on Saturday, but depression was rearing its ugly head and I've spent the past few days giving myself pep talks and they haven't really been working. But I'm like... slightly better and not dead, so that's something. Sorry for how short this chapter is, I've been in a bit of a slump. I'll maybe see you lovely people on Thursday? I don't really know. ~Shaymie

Alex's POV

"I think I'm going to ask Lo to the dance," I said the second Angelica and I were out of the SAT testing room. She looked up from her phone and raised an eyebrow. She was silent until we got out to the parking lot, where she immediately burst into laughter. I frowned as she leaned against the building, laughing so hard that there were tears streaming down her face. I glared at her until she sobered up.

"Sorry, Alex, but I just… That's hilarious! You do realize you're dating Lorin Haywood, right? The girl who hates social events and school with a passion? You have to have something better planned for Valentine's Day."

"...I was going to serenade her." The words sounded ridiculous. I couldn't have been more cliche. But Lo loved music, and I loved her. I had taught myself an Ed Sheeran song, since she was clearly obsessed with him. I was planning on a romantic dinner or… something. To be honestly, I've never done anything romantic on Valentine's Day before. Everyone I've dated in the past was just someone to sleep with. Nothing more than that. Lo was different. We haven't even been dating for half a year yet, but I was sure that she was the girl I wanted to marry. Maybe that was being a bit rash, but I couldn't care less.

Angelica nodded, her lips pursed together as if she was trying to hold back a laugh. I followed her back to her car and sighed. I could tell she didn't think it was a good idea. Like Darcy, she still had some reservations about me and Lo. I couldn't blame her. I had shamelessly flirted with her the second I met her, and then I started dating Lo a few days later. If Angelica or Darcy knew about my dating history, I had a feeling they would hate me. I had hinted to Lo about it, but I didn't tell her everything.

"Do you want to stop for some coffee? You look like you need it," Angelica said as she started driving off from the parking lot. I nodded and sighed as I leaned back in the seat, closing my eyes. The SAT was actually challenging, though that was a bit my fault. I'd never had to study for anything in my life, but I knew that I couldn't get away with not studying for what may very well be the most important test I'll ever take. So I studied, but I had put it off until the last second. I wasn't Angelica. I couldn't study for months on end.

I opened my eyes as my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and turned the volume up. Angelica shot me a side glance as I read the text from Lo, telling me not to come home too early. She said that she had a surprise for me and quickly sent a follow-up text, telling me to get my mind out of the gutter and that this surprise wasn't like the ones she'd had for my birthday. I laughed and told her I was going to get coffee with Angelica. She replied with a smiley face.

"Lo has a surprise for me at home," I murmured dreamily as I slid my phone back into my pocket. Angelica rolled her eyes and smiled slightly, her grip on the steering wheel loosening.

"You're head over heels for her, aren't you?" she asked. I nodded, unsure of where she was going with this conversation. She stopped at a red light and turned to look at me. "Alex, when Lafayette and I leave for college, will you protect Lorin? She's been having a difficult time lately. Anyone can see that. You're the only person that can cheer her up."

"She's started taking new medicine," I supplied. Angelica clicked her teeth and shook her head as the light changed.

"You're putting a bit too much trust into a tiny pill, Alex. We don't even know if it helps yet. But we do know that you help her. You make her happy. She trusts you. Promise me you'll keep an eye on her."

"I promise, Ange." I'd protect Lo with my life if it came to it. Angelica pursed her lips and nodded, satisfied with my answer. I looked out the window and sighed. It seemed like I was the only person who had any faith in Lo. Everyone else thought that she was going to try and kill herself again. They were treating her like a toddler that couldn't be left alone for more than two seconds. It had to be getting on her nerves.

Twenty minutes later, we were sitting in a booth at a cafe. Angelica had a cappuccino, while I had my signature black coffee. She eyed my drink with narrowed eyes. I rolled my eyes. I didn't understand what everyone had against black coffee. Was it such a bad thing if I wanted to preserve the flavor of my coffee instead of ruining it with cream and sugar? I'd managed to get Lo to drink coffee, but only after she completely drowned it with cream and sugar. I couldn't even drink it when she was done mixing everything together.

"I don't understand how you can date Lorin and not like sweets. You guys are like complete opposites." She looked down at her phone as it vibrated and smiled. "It's about time for us to leave. Lorin said she's ready."

"What can I say? Opposites attract." I grinned at Angelica as I finished off my drink and tried to sneak a glance at her phone. She narrowed her eyes and put it in her pocket. I sighed. I couldn't wait to see what kind of surprise Lo had for me. Angelica mimed locking her mouth shut and throwing away the key. Guess I'd have to wait until I got home to see what it was.