So how are we all doing after that last chapter? If you're also reading PNG, you know everything will be fine.

Year Two: A Long Day

Atlantic Residence - 5:48 AM

Angela wasn't sure about how much time went by until she saw the sun starting to come up. She almost freaked out since she thought it was later in the morning, but it was barely dawn. Angela found that strange but she didn't care enough to question it. She jogged endless laps around campus because she didn't know what to do. She ran by every building, dorm, outdoor bench, even the track a few times. Every lap had a different turn but they took her to the same spot: where he broke up with her.

The run didn't take her breath away. Hearing, I'm breaking up with you, rendered her speechless. Angela didn't see anything wrong with their relationship. Everything was fine. James wasn't acting strangely. She was busy, sure, but she didn't forget about him. She always made sure to give him time. Did she give him enough?

Whatever. She shouldn't stress about this anymore. Besides, they broke up so what's the point?

Angela walks back to her dorm, heading inside in her room. She has to get ready for class. She can skip the warm-up since she's been warming up for three hours. Angela takes off her windbreaker and searches her closet for her uniform, turning around to see Merida just waking up.

"Were you here the whole time?" Merida asks, rubbing her eyes. She picks up her charging phone and squints her eyes at the dimly lit screen.

"No, just got here," Angela says as she finds a training uniform set.

"From James's dorm?"

Angela nods, taking a sharp breath as she leaves the room to shower before class.

-o-

Sci-Tech Lecture Hall - 9:13 AM

James couldn't stomach how he could make it back to his dorm. Angela's face and all the expressions she made, and words she said during the whole breakup. It wasn't what she said about waiting to have sex, it was that he was sure of her. He was. He still is. It wasn't the sadness he felt from her, it was the anger. He didn't expect that which made it hurt even more. Out of all the years that he's known Angela, he can't recall a time before the breakup where she was ever mad. Sure, she's been pissed off and disappointed but never angry.

It was kind of freaky but understanding. He deserved it.

He didn't even make it to his bed. He passed out on the couch in his floor's living room. It wouldn't be the first time that's happened so nobody would be concerned to see him there.

To his surprise, he woke up in time for class. He had enough time to go freshen up and grab his stuff. He had to make sure that today's his science day so he didn't have to put on a training uniform. Also, he's less likely to run into Angela. He doesn't want to face her after all this since last night is still fresh in his mind. As if it'll ever leave. This breakup wasn't like his previous ones because, unlike most of his dates and girlfriends, he and Angela had a whole history before they dated.

"Pym."

James looks up from his thoughts and sees his prof standing at the front of the room. He looks around, seeing his classroom and is proud that he managed to walk here without focusing on his surroundings. Is he even in the right room?

"Yeah?" James responds, moving out of the way from the door so other people can enter.

"I'm surprised to see you here," his prof responds.

James nods. He's got a terrible attendance record, even on the rare time he does show up. "Me too."

-o-

Edison Residence - 10:14 AM

Daniel leaves his dorm with his backpack sling over one shoulder. He locks the door behind him before heading down the hall. He passes by the living room and catches Keith in the kitchen, who looks up at him when he notices someone passing by.

"Hey," Daniel says.

"Hey," Keith responds.

"Have you seen James?"

Keith nods. "We were at Concrete Beach for a bit."

Daniel pauses, needing to think about if he heard that right. It sounds like he's still dreaming. He doesn't know Keith that well but he knows that he's the type not to think about Concrete Beach let along go there with James. The concepts are a paradox. But then he sees Keith's non-shifting face. He's serious.

"...really?" Daniel asks to be sure.

"Yes," Keith responds.

"It's freaky there."

Keith nods. "Lots of meatheads."

Daniel cracks a smile. "So, James?"

Keith shrugs. "He got wasted and went to see his girlfriend."

Daniel nods. "Thanks."

-o-

Sci-Tech Lecture Hall - 10:30 AM

Daniel must be having an off day. First, he learned that Keith went to Concrete Beach with James. Now, he witnesses James walking out of a lecture at the end of one. He should just skip the day and go take a nap. Or maybe even go home.

"James," Daniel calls.

James looks over and smiles at his friend as he walks over. He sees the confused look on his friend's face and thinks that he needs a break from school.

"Did you know that if you go to class, you learn things?" James asks.

Daniel wants to say that's a joke but after his conversation with Keith, he's not sure anymore. He's already done with today and it's not. Maybe he's having a fever dream and will wake up soon.

"Gotta run, literally, I have laps to do."

James leaves and Daniel turns around watching him go. He keeps his eye on James until he can no longer see him. Who was that?

-o-

Atlantic Residence - 14:56 PM

Angela sits on the floor of her floor's living room. Her back is against the couch because Orchid sits there giving her a massage. Orchid suggested it and Angela couldn't refuse. Besides, she's stressed and Orchid could tell. She claimed it's her sixth sense and Angela didn't want to argue her on that. She was persistent.

"You are very, very tense," Orchid says as she works on Angela's lower neck.

Angela nods. "You know how busy uni life is."

Orchid smiles. "You know I do. We're in the same program minus weight class. Not to mention you have James."

Angela forces herself to nod, feeling her body tense even more. "And James."

Both girls look at the coffee table as Orchid's phone buzzes. Angela grabs it for her and shows the message to Orchid, both of them having a view. Angela bites down on her lips as Orchid's jaw drops at the steamy text from Brody. Orchid takes her phone and leans back, texting back a response. If only Angela had that…

"You should get to that," Angela says, turning around and grinning at her friend. "And get some of that."

Orchid laughs in a way that sounds like a yeehaw, nudging Angela's shoulder with her foot.

"You don't mind?" Orchid asks, hugging her phone to her chest.

"Get some."

Orchid looks at Angela for a second before leaping over her and running off, likely heading to her dorm to freshen up. Then, knowing Orchid, she will take the stairs since she wouldn't wait for the elevator. Who would when Brody Ocean's waiting?

"I will tell you everything!" Orchid yells before she disappears.

Angela laughs to herself as she leans back. Can't wait. Moments later, Angela's smile fades and she throws her head back on the couch. She takes her phone out of her sweatshirt's pocket and turns it on. She swipes through the messages and notifications, searching for anything from James but there are none. She was hoping the breakup was a mistake or a bad dream, but it was too bad to be a dream. It was a nightmare.

Once all the alerts are gone, Angela sees her lock screen. It's a photo of her and James lying on one of their beds. She's nuzzled into the nape of his neck and he's smiling in the middle of a laugh. He took that photo. She should change that but she doesn't want to.