Okay I'm updating this in honor of the Little Things music video that just came out today, for any of you Directioners!

This chapter is a little intense. I worked hard on it, hope you enjoy! I recommend rereading chapter 26 first before you read this because it includes a flashback. Flashbacks are in italics, in case your wondering.

Phoenix Retribution: Skye was just wondering about what would happen IF she broke Dingo's heart...you're right, she hasn't. Yet. Muahahaha.

So read and comment! Did everyone have a happy Halloween? I was a butterfly!

-MuseGoddess

THE PAVILION

BREAKFAST HALL

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20

11:56 AM

Charlie's POV

Charlie put down her spoon, all appetite gone. Even without turning her head, she could feel the dark eyes burning into her back.

And she completely understood.

Beside her, Allie put down her cup of nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt. "Char, you have to eat." She reached over, placing the spoon back in her friend's hand. Skye took a delicate sip of her banana-soy smoothie. "Why are you so sad? You made up with Darwin and told Jess the truth three days ago."

"Three days…" Charlie resisted the urge to turn around. Had it only been three days? The wells of hurt in her back felt brand-new. "It's…complicated. I can't really explain."

"Try," Allie encouraged.

"Well, I…I've hurt Jess. A lot. He's my friend, and it's hard knowing he's like that because of me. I mean, I led him on, and on…so much. Flirted. Convinced him I was totally…that I liked him back, and on Friday I threw it all in his face."

"What did you say to Jess? You know, three days ago," Allie wondered.

Charlie hesitated. "Well, it kinda went like this…"

(Charlie Flashback)

She stared at him, his eager face bright and hopeful. Model-perfect features, with his straight white teeth and tanned cheekbones and those incredible wide brown eyes. Charlie felt her gut twist.

Jess took a deep breath. "I've wanted to ask you this for a long time, but there was Darwin, and I couldn't come to the island…until now." He gazed straight at her, and it was like he could see into her soul.

"I…before you say anything, I—I have something to tell you first." She pulled her hand away and held it out to stop him.

"That's totally fine." Jess smiled.

"Thanks." Charlie twisted her hands. "I better start at the beginning."

"That's usually a good place to start." Jess grinned, sweeping a shag of brown hair back.

Charlie swallowed. "When I came to Alpha Academy, it wasn't because I was invited. In fact, Shira didn't even want me there. She thought I didn't have the talent."

Jess opened his mouth to protest, a look of blatant outrage on his face, but Charlie continued. The words flowed out of her like tears.

"So I made a deal with her, the only one I could. I agreed to break up with Darwin for admission. He meant the world to me, but I couldn't stand being away from him. So I did. I mean, break up with Darwin."

Charlie glanced up. Jess was still listening intently. She closed her eyes and went on.

"So that's how I broke up with him. But then I ended up telling him the truth about what Shira forced me to do, and then he said…he said…" This was getting really awkward.

"What did he say, Charlie?" Jess asked, his baritone voice made deeper when he spoke in whispers. He was still oblivious to where this was heading.

"He said…he still loved me." Charlie opened her eyes and stared at Jess' face.

He stared blankly at her. "But…"—his face darkened as he put it all together—"…but then what did you say?"

Charlie didn't speak. Instead two tears dropped onto her Alpha-issue skirt. A shadow fell over Jess' face.

"I—I'm sorry I didn't…tell you before," Charlie finally said. Suddenly Jess looked up, eyes wide. And Darwin jogged over the dune.

(End of Flashback)

"Wow, Char, that's…intense," Allie sad, struggling for words.

"Yeah." Skye added. She sneaked a glance at Jess over Charlie's shoulder, and Charlie unconsciously followed her gaze. The Thai boy looked forlorn, picking listlessly at a platter of sushi.

As if he could sense her gaze, Jess' head shot up and his gaze connected with Charlie's for a brief second. Charlie dropped her eyes, focusing on a piece of carrot floating in her soup.

"Hey, it'll be okay." Skye gave a warm smile, flashing her perfect, Chiclet-white teeth. She wrapped her long arms around her friend.

"I've got to make it right." Charlie scooted away from Skye.

"How are you going to do that?" Allie wondered.

"I don' know. But I'll find a way." Charlie picked up her spoon and scooped up some soup. Suddenly she was ravenous.