(A/N) okay so I wasn't quite done with these two. I've got this short chapter and another after that. But both are very short since this was just supposed to be a one shot, but I got two really sweet reviews on this story and I felt like you guys deserved a present.

Senior year rolled around and I had added numbers 18, 19, 20 and 21 to my list. But every time I passed 17 in the halls, or saw her sitting quietly with friends or saw her cheering at a football game, I couldn't help but wonder what could have been if I hadn't have worn my RORs sweater that day in Sophomore year.

Autumn rolled into Winter and the school year was half way gone. I found myself at the local grocery store stocking up on party supplies for a 'Christmas blow out' party - my annual present to the scare students. I blindly walked to the register, Chet scurrying at my side, chattering excitedly about the party.

I placed my items on the counter and looked up, freezing mid word. It was the first time since Autumn in Sophomore year that I had been face to face with her, and I cursed that I was wearing my stupid RORs sweater yet again - though it was the first time I had admitted that it was stupid.

Illamay looked at me blankly then refuse to look at me at all. "Afternoon Sir," she said politely, greeting me as nothing but a customer.

I couldn't reply. Chet looked at me with concern, glancing between 17 and I like a child looking for answers. At last, his eyes widened and he backed away. "I'll meet ya in the car, Johnny," he lisped, retreating to the fwd like a soldier to a bunker, fearing the grenade about to explode,

I tapped my fingers as nerves brought my limbs to life, I desperately wanted to say something to her, but I was unable to find any words. What could I say?

I haven't stopped thinking about you - No, that's grovelling.

Give me a chance? Still begging.

I could have loved you...

...Definetely not.

"Looks like your throwing quite the party," Illamay said, beating me to the first words as she sorted my items into a bag.

"Yeah," I said with a nod, "Christmas blow out party, to celebrate the end I the term." I felt like an idiot explaining it, the pride I previously held for the party disappearing.

"Sounds exciting," she answered, emotionless and robotic. Where was that flare that was in her voice when she spoke about helping people? Where was that little giggle she tried to contain when I smiled at her?

She stopped still for a moment, waiting for the register to sum up my total. The sound of her claws tapping on the register impatiently were like gunshots. She wanted me gone. "That'll be forty five ninety nine."

I pulled the money from the backpack Chet had left with me and handed it over, but I noticed as she took every precaution to ensure our hands did not touch as the exchange was made. "You should come," I suggested, "for old times sake."

She looked at me with those peach coloured eyes, unsureity written on her beastly features. She was questioning it, I could see it. "I'll think about it," she answered as she handed me my change. "Have a nice day."

I left quickly and melted into the front seat of the car, throwing the supplies in the back. I covered my face in shame and wished I could hide under my bed like a true monster.

Worthingtons don't stammer. They don't freeze up when talking to girls. They don't awkwardly invite them places. What was wrong with me?!

"That wath her, wathn't it?" Chet asked from the passenger seat.

"Was who?" I snapped, refusing to let him see me be weak. I sat up from my slouch and flipped up my collar, reinforcing the image of composure I upheld.

"Theventeen? The girl from the thtorm night?"

"What's it to you?" I retorted, raising my voice as I started the car, letting out a slight grunt as my face contorted into a snarl - I was still the alpha, he needed to remember that.

"Nothing, jutht... Nothing..."

"That's what I thought," I said as I smacked the hat off his head and pulled out of the parking lot.