||Lynna's P.O.V.||

When I got out of the shower and walked into my bedroom, I was surprised and delighted to see that Edward was already sitting on my bed and wearing his usual crooked grin that caused my heart to skip a beat.

"Hey," I greeted him with a smile before sitting down next to him.

He was quick to wrap his arms around me and press his lips firmly against mine. I kissed him back urgently, longing to deepen the kiss. I tangled my hands in his hair and tugged forcefully, earning a satisfied groan from him. The erotic sound caused desire to course through me and settle between my legs. I moaned against his lips, my hands moving from his hair to his shoulders where I gripped firmly.

My entire body was on fire as he kissed me back with a hunger that had my heat aching for him. Per usual, he pulled away- breaking the kiss as he continued to pant with desire. The electricity continued to hum between us which was almost impossible to ignore.

"It's getting harder and harder to kiss you," he admitted in low, rough voice that still somehow managed to sound like velvet.

"Why is that?" I wondered, staring at his perfectly-shaped lips longingly.

I wanted him to kiss every square inch of my body. My body desperately yearned for his touch. The desire was enough to drive me to insanity- Knowing that he would never satisfy the hunger that I felt for him. His midnight eyes burned into mine with an intensity that caused a delicious shiver to travel down my spine.

"Because it's getting harder to pull away," he growled in an animalistic manner.

The sound left me breathless- My core begging for release. My raging hormones blinded me to rationality. I had no control as I leapt into his lap, wrapping my legs around him in a vice-like grip. I felt him stiffen beneath me, his brows flying up his forehead in surprise. I paid no mind to his shocked expression as my lips found their way to his neck, where they trailed along his stone-like flesh. His chest rumbled, causing another animalistic growl to escape his throat. I moaned in response before crashing my lips against his. His hands gripped my hips tightly; I could tell by the force of his grip and the way his lips moved against mine that he was at his wits end. I felt him fill with desire beneath me; his hardened bulge strained against his jeans, pressing against my heat. I started moving my hips against his, rocking back and forth, desperate for the motion-Digging his erection against my center, moaning as the friction set my entire body on fire. He released a throaty moan before his tongue darted into my mouth; I gasped out of pleasure when he started bucking his hips against mine. I could feel a pressure growing within me, causing the edges of my vision to be tainted black. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears as it pounded against my ribcage like a drum. My ragged breaths matched his as we continued grinding against each other; I was dying to get closer to him.

In one swift motion, he flipped me on my back and hovered over me-Staring into my eyes with a look of primal hunger and need. I was quick to spread my legs for him, begging with my eyes for him to climb on top of me and give in to these pressing desires that coursed through the both of us. His midnight eyes trailed down my body, where they stopped between my legs and lingered. A desperate moan escaped my lips as his eyes burned into my core that was aching with desire for him. I wanted him to rip my shorts to shreds and plunge into me as deeply and as quickly as possible.

"Please," I begged in a broken whisper. "Fucking please, Edward."

This earned another growl from him that had me arching my back off the bed. I was practically humping air at this point. Desire was burning hot in my veins; my core was dripping for him. I couldn't take it anymore. My hands flew between my legs, ready to provide myself with release. I couldn't see or think straight-All I could think about was reaching my climax. Before I had time to get my hand in my shorts, his large hand wrapped around mine-Stopping me. Excitement simmered through me, waiting anxiously for him to finally touch me down there.

Instead, my stomach dropped in disappointment when he dropped his hand from mine and practically teleported to the window that he was quick to open. His back was towards me as he stared out at the night sky. He was perfectly still-Like a statue. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to clear the hormonal thoughts from my head.

"I don't think I should stay tonight," he spoke in a dull, emotionless tone with his back still towards me.

I shot up in bed and shook my head, even though he couldn't see it. Since he started staying the night, the nightmares had completely ceased. Now, I couldn't imagine not falling asleep in his arms. His chest, which was as hard as granite and every bit as cold, was my pillow. Not once did I feel uncomfortable in his arms. In fact, I had never slept as soundly as I did when I was with him.

"No, Edward. I'm sorry," I whispered hoarsely, feeling my eyes well up with tears when I realized the position that I had put him in. "Please don't go."

I watched as his shoulders slumped forward and he shook his head before spinning on his heels to face me. His haunting expression caused guilt to course through me. I could see the sadness playing in his eyes from afar.

"I'm sorry," I repeated much more firmly, my voice wavering with emotion. "I won't do that again. I promise."

And I meant it. I swallowed hard against the lump that had formed in my throat. He released a deep sigh and pressed his lips together in a thin line.

"That can't keep happening, Lynna," he stated sternly, scolding me like a child.

I couldn't help but feel slightly offended at his tone. I didn't like being chastised by him. I pursed my lips in thought before he hesitantly claimed the empty chair beside the window, evidently not trusting me enough to rejoin me on the bed.

"I could kill you. You need to get that through your head," he continued his scolding, causing me to narrow my eyes at him which he ignored. "One wrong move and you're dead. It isn't worth it."

I didn't even try to stifle the eye-roll at that. "I get the picture," I muttered. "It won't happen again. Like I said."

He appeared to be studying my face intently- Probably trying to gage my sincerity. Whatever his findings were, he seemed to be happy with them because before I knew it, he had reclaimed the empty space beside me. He sat on the edge of the bed and tilted his head to the side as he gazed into my eyes.

"I'm curious about something..." He trailed off, frowning.

"About what?" Now, I was curious.

He wasted no time in responding. "Have you ever...?"

I felt my eyes widen on their own accord and my heart stutter in my chest. "Ever what?"

He was nervous- I could tell by the way his jaw was set and how his eyes shifted from me to the floor. "Had sex," he whispered, tearing his gaze from mine and staring straight ahead.

My pulse went into overdrive when the word rolled off his tongue. He anxiously awaited my answer- Freezing up like a statue once more.

"No," I breathed out, watching as relief seemed to wash over his face.

I was about to ask the same question, but felt silly for even thinking it. He's a hundred- and twenty-two-year-old vampire- Of course he's had sex. The next words out of his mouth thoroughly shocked me.

"Me neither," he admitted with a sheepish grin.

My mouth fell open in disbelief. He grinned crookedly at me. "Does that surprise you?" He asked with a low chuckle.

I was quick to nod. "Um, yeah." I was biting back a smile at his bemused expression.

"Why is that?" He asked with another chuckle.

I looked at him in disbelief. "Edward, you're a hundred- and twenty-two-year-old virgin."

His eyes widened, clearly surprised by my comment, before his shoulders started shaking with silent laughter. "Yeah, I guess I am," he said with a breathy laugh.

I felt my brows furrow of their own accord, curiosity gnawing at me. "Can I ask you why..?"

He pressed his lips into a thin line before he frowned, his features turning down in sorrow. "I don't know how to answer that," he whispered, staring straight ahead with a faraway look in his eyes. "Um. Well, I was turned when I was seventeen.." He trailed off, his ember eyes meeting mine, holding me captive before he continued, "I was dying of the Spanish influenza in 1918 before Carlisle turned me. When my mother was on her deathbed, she pleaded with Carlisle to save me. And he did. In the only way he could."

My heart lurched in my chest at the sadness etched in his words. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and comfort him, but an invisible force at play was keeping me from doing so.

"In my human life, I hadn't given much thought to having a relationship. I was planning on enlisting when I turned eighteen. I was going to live the life of a soldier." He breathed out forcefully, a forlorn smile playing on his lips. "Marriage, kids-That would come later in life."

I was silent as his words sunk in. "So, you've never... had a girlfriend?"

I found that difficult to believe. He was exceedingly handsome- Easily, the most good-looking guy I had ever seen. Not to mention, he was intelligent and witty. Sure, he was abrasive, but I believed that was just a show. I could tell that he was kind and selfless. Deep down, Edward Cullen was good. He was all things good. So, it didn't make any sense to me that a catch such as himself had never had a relationship.

His face twisted into a scowl. His eyes turning the color of coal, but not in their usual lust-stricken fashion; they were simply empty-Like a dark void.

"No," he sneered, his jaw clenching in the process.

My brows knitted together in confusion. His sharp tone took me by surprise. "Really?" I asked skeptically.

His head snapped in my direction, his black eyes flashing with a fury that I had never seen before. My breath hitched in my throat and my heart raced in my chest, but this time, it wasn't out of desire. I hated to admit it to myself, but in that moment, I was afraid. I knew he would never hurt me, but the wrathful fire dancing in his eyes led to me believe that I had somehow managed to hurt him deeply, and that caused fear to wrap around my heart like a vice. I didn't want him to suffer and certainly not at my expense. I gulped around the sudden lump that had formed in my throat and subconsciously scooted farther from him, putting some much-needed distance between us. His hardened expression seemed to soften as he gazed at me. The darkness in his eyes faded- His ember orbs breaking through the dark clouds, shining as brightly as the sun.

I relaxed instantly, not realizing how tense I was before. He held his arm out for me, his eyes pleading. I inhaled a shaky breath before I launched myself into his arms, curling up on his lap and burying my head against his chest. He leaned us back on the bed, adjusting our positions so that I was nestled against his side with him flat on his back. He buried his face in my hair and inhaled deeply. I was still a bundle of nerves, but I was quickly growing distracted by the electricity flowing through me due to his proximity. It was a struggle to keep myself in check.

"I'm sorry I frightened you," he whispered in a broken voice.

I absentmindedly started rubbing circles on his solid chest, trying to soothe him somehow. I could feel the coolness of his skin through his shirt, and longed to trail my hands beneath the fabric.

"I wasn't scared of you, Edward," I breathed out. "I was scared that I had upset you. I don't like seeing you hurt." My voice broke at the end, my hands stilling on his chest as I gripped the fabric of his shirt.

He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "Well, regardless, I'm sorry."

I sat up slightly, propping myself up with my elbow to offer him a small smile. "It's okay," I assured him.

He studied my face for a moment before he returned my smile. He sat up once again, his back against the headboard. I adjusted myself so I was sitting cross-legged beside him, not trusting myself to continue touching him just yet.

"Enough about me." He flashed me a crooked grin. "Let's hear more about you."

I exhaled deeply. "What do you want to know?"

I would be willing to play along if it kept him smiling.

"Well, for starters.." He trailed off in thought, pursing his lips. "Aside from Grayson, how many relationships have you been in?"

That was easy enough to answer. "None. Grayson.." A sigh escaped my lips when I spoke his name. I couldn't help the twinge of guilt that plagued me at the reminder of my deceased boyfriend. "He's it."

I hadn't visited him since my birthday which was over a week ago. Used to, I sat with him everyday. Nowadays, I was visiting the cemetery less and less. A part of me felt like I was abandoning him, and I hated myself for it.

His brows flew up his forehead. "Oh."

I nodded, staring at the grainy pattern on my wooden headboard.

"He was lucky to have you, you know," he spoke softly, causing my eyes to drift to his. "Not many people get to experience love like that."

A haunting expression fell over his face, causing my heart to lurch once again.

"Yeah, well.. It's like you said before-Love is fickle." I didn't bother trying to hide the bitterness in my voice.

I still hadn't gotten over the fact that Grayson had supposedly cheated on me with Ashley. Edward pursed his lips as his eyes poured into mine.

"It wasn't on your end though," he was quick to say. "You held him on a pedestal that wasn't rightfully deserved. You loved him with all your heart, Lynna. And you still love him despite his infidelity."

My mind wrapped around his words and held them, wondering if they were true. Of course, I loved Grayson. That much was certain. But I couldn't help but wonder- If I had truly loved him with all of my heart, would I be sitting here with Edward right now? Guilt consumed me at the thought, but I tried not to show it.

Edward's eyes raked over my face, picking up every little detail and analyzing it with scrutinizing eyes.

"What are you thinking right now?" The curiosity in his voice was undeniable.

I shrugged half-heartedly. "Just wondering how much of that is true," I whispered, avoiding eye contact.

He released a heavy sigh, another frown making its claim on his porcelain face.

"If he loved you even half as much as you love him, he'd want you to be happy, Lynna. You have no reason to feel guilty for anything," he assured me in a soothing voice that washed over me like a cleansing wave.

My eyes widened. "I thought you couldn't read my mind?"

This earned me a tender smile from the mind-reader. "I may not be able to read your mind, but I have no problem reading your face."

I breathed out an airy laugh. "Mamaw always says I wear my heart on my sleeve. Guess I wear it on my face too," I teased.

"That's much better than putting your heart on ice," he mumbled; his words had a strange bitterness behind them. "Can I ask you something?"

I nodded. "Ask away. I'm an open book."

He scoffed in amusement. "Hardly," he chuckled before continuing in a serious tone, "If he was still alive.. Would you still be with him? Even after his betrayal?"

That was one question that I wasn't expecting to be asked. I was caught off guard, to say the least. I found myself digging deep within myself to find the answer, but I didn't have to dig very far; the answer was floating on the surface.

"No," I breathed out, shaking my head slowly. "The second I found out about him and Ashley, I would have ended things."

He looked at me a bit skeptically, so I was quick to continue speaking, "There's no use in holding on to someone that isn't holding on to you. I trusted him and he betrayed me. Once someone breaks my trust, there's really no getting it back."

He stared straight ahead, appearing to be deep in thought before his ember eyes locked with mine. "Do you trust me?" He asked with a crooked grin.

My heart stuttered in my chest as I nodded. "You haven't given me a reason not to."

His smile faltered slightly, but he was quick to recover. I wasn't sure what possessed me to reach out and take his hand in mine, but before I knew it, I was entwining my fingers with his. I relished in the feel of his cold hand in mine. Despite his cool skin, my hand felt like it was on fire. Warmth spread throughout my body, warming me from the inside out. Edward stared down at our hands before meeting my gaze. His golden eyes were dancing with an emotion that I couldn't decipher as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Are you looking forward to the gala?" He asked nonchalantly.

I nodded as I took my other hand and started tracing random shapes on his forearm. His eyes darkened considerably as I did so.

"Yeah. Alice is going to help us start decorating tomorrow, which I'm sure you're aware of." I laughed lightly.

He chuckled lowly. "She hasn't shut up about it. I hope you know she plans on stealing you after school to go dress shopping."

I smiled fondly at that. "Well, I'm looking forward to it."

He rolled his eyes playfully but said nothing. I titled my head to the side as an idea occurred to me. "Are you planning on going to the gala?" I asked curiously, studying his perfect features.

He frowned while simultaneously breathing out a scoff. "Alice would kill me if I didn't." He was only half-joking.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"No doubt," he teased, flashing me a smile that made my heart skip a beat.

Butterflies fluttered about violently in my stomach as I braced myself for what I was about to ask. I felt a blush creep to my cheeks, earning a quirked brow from him.

"What is it?" He asked warily, studying my expression.

I tore my eyes from his and focused entirely on the random shapes I was drawing on his stone-like skin. I honed in on the electrical current flowing from his skin to mine and felt a sense of bravery wash over me.

I inhaled a shaky breath, still avoiding his gaze, as I opened my mouth to speak. "Well.." I trailed off, pausing momentarily before continuing, "Since we're both going, I thought maybe..."

He inhaled a sharp intake of air as his entire body stiffened. His grip on my hand tightened, causing me to meet his burning gaze. His dark eyes were wide and frantic. My heart dropped to my stomach. He was waiting patiently for me to finish the sentence, but I wasn't so sure if I should. Judging by his panicked expression, it wasn't going to go how I envisioned it.

Somehow, I was able to scrounge up enough nerve to continue, holding his midnight eyes captive as I did so. "We should go together," I breathed out, feeling a weight being lifted off my shoulders.

There. I said it. I was on pins and needles as I awaited his reaction. His brows flew up his forehead and his jaw went slack. His hold on my hand loosened, causing me to frown. This was not the reaction I was hoping for.

"Lynna." My name rolled off his tongue as he started shaking his head. My breath hitched in my throat when he said, "Please tell me you're kidding."

My mouth fell open. I had never been more serious in my life. My hand that was holding his felt like it was starting to burn, as if his rejection could physically hurt me. I inhaled deeply, trying to get a grip- He hadn't actually said no yet. That was the little push I needed to respond.

"I'm not," I stated, lifting my chin in a confident manner. "We should go together, Edward. I mean that."

He went into 'statue-mode' for a good twenty seconds before his face twisted into a look of sorrow and disgust. My hand felt like it was on fire, forcing me to rip mine from his as his obvious rejection washed over me. When he stared down at his now empty hand, the disgust vanished from his face- Leaving nothing but sorrow behind. My heart felt like lead as I waited for him to say something- Anything.

"We can't," he finally responded, his voice firm and unforgiving.

I blinked rapidly as an array of emotions coursed through me. "Why not?" I wondered.

He released a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine. His face softened as he gazed at me. His ember orbs burned into mine with an indecipherable emotion in their depths.

"No one can find out about us," he whispered in a dejected voice.

I closed my eyes, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice as I asked, "And why is that?" My eyes flew open, locking with his once more. "Why do you want everyone to keep thinking that you hate me?"

He hopped up from the bed in an abrupt yet elegant manner and started pacing my room. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he continued walking back and forth. "It's just easier this way, Lynna. Please."

"Please what?" I asked in annoyance.

He wasn't making any sense. I didn't see what the big deal was. When we first started 'seeing each other', I understood where he was coming from. Up until recently, we couldn't stand each other. Back then, I hadn't been ready for anyone to know about us either. Not that there's even an 'us' anyway, but still.

Regardless, I knew we couldn't go on like this forever. I didn't want to go on like this forever. I was falling for him. Hard. And I couldn't fathom the idea of him wanting to keep this a secret for much longer.

He stopped in his pacing, kneeling in front of me on the bed. He was on both knees as he looked up at me with the saddest expression I had ever seen. My mouth went dry at the sorrow in his eyes.

"Please, don't do this, Lynna," he begged, his eyes pleading with me. "Please."

I was at a loss. "What exactly am I doing?"

He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping forward. His ember eyes were burning into mine intensely. "You're ruining everything," he responded, his words laced with anger.

My eyes grew to the size of saucers. "ME? Tell me, Edward. How am I 'ruining everything'?" I sneered the question, using air quotes in a dramatic fashion.

He shot up from his position and resumed his pacing. I watched as he ran his hand through his bronze hair, causing it to stand up on end in a comical fashion. Somehow, I wasn't amused in the slightest.

"How do you think?!" His voice went up an octave. "Why can't you just leave things be?"

At this point, my eyes were threatening to pop out of their sockets. I was quick to jump off the bed and plant myself firmly in front of him, looking up at him with a look of fury that matched his own.

"Are you kidding me?!" I was struggling to remain calm-No one could get under my skin quite like Edward Cullen. "Forgive me for actually wanting to be seen with you, Cullen! My bad for even suggesting such a thing!" I paused before continuing in a sarcastic tone, "Oh, the horror!"

His lips twitched, clearly fighting back a smile. "Can we just forget this even happened and go back to how things were?" I could hear the hopefulness in his voice.

I folded my arms across my chest and scowled. "You mean 'forget that I asked you to the gala'? Or 'forget that you flat-out rejected me'?" I challenged.

He could no longer fight back an amused smile which only fueled my frustration. How could he treat this like a joke?

"Both," he breathed out, his smile growing. "But I didn't exactly 'reject' you."

I scoffed. "Oh, yeah? Edward, will you go to the gala with me?" I asked, simply to prove a point.

His smile transformed into a scowl that matched my own as he narrowed his eyes at me. I quirked a brow and smirked sarcastically. "That's what I thought," I muttered, spinning on my heels to turn away from him.

He grabbed me by my wrist, gently yet firmly, and spun me back around to face him. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me against him, his arms winding around my waist. I cursed internally at myself-My body was giving away the effect he was having on me, and I hated myself for it. My heart had picked up its tempo at the simple gesture. Something as simple as a hug had me seeing stars. His cool, solid body contoured against mine, swallowing me whole as he tightened his embrace on me. He buried his face in my hair and inhaled deeply.

I shivered involuntarily when he leaned down and lightly grazed his lips against my ear as he whispered, "Please don't do this."

I pulled away slightly, just enough so I could get a good look at his porcelain face that was pulled down in what appeared to be anguish. He released his hold on me before taking both of my hands in his. I tilted my head to the side as I stared up at him-I was genuinely confused.

"I don't understand," I admitted. "Can you at least tell me what the big deal is? Why are you so worried about them finding out about us? IS there even an us, Edward?"

His brows knitted together as a shadow fell across his face. He seemed to be at war with himself before he dropped my hands and took a step back, shaking his head as he said, "I don't know."

Such a simple, vague response- I had a feeling he was answering all three of my questions with those three words. My heart dropped to my stomach. I pressed my lips into a thin line before I stepped away from him and ran a hand through my damp hair. His eyes were pulled down in apparent sadness as he studied my crestfallen expression.

"I'm sorry, Lynna. I-" He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose before continuing, "I'm sorry, okay? This is just.. too much right now. It's too much, too fast."

His words washed over me, erasing all traces of anger that were simmering beneath the surface, leaving behind nothing but dejection. I fought strongly against the tears that were burning at the back of my eyes. I quickly spun on my heels, putting my back towards him in a desperate attempt to prevent him from seeing just how deeply his rejection had hurt me. I hesitantly walked over to my desk and started sifting through random papers, trying to look occupied. His eyes were burning a hole straight through me as I did so.

"I understand," I finally spoke, surprised at how perfectly collected I sounded. Despite my strong façade, I was still fighting back the tears as I continued, "You don't have to explain yourself to me."

I heard him release a heavy sigh. Wanting to continue with my 'occupied' charade, I sat down in the computer chair and flipped through a random notebook.

"Please don't be upset," he pleaded in the softest of voices. "Hurting you is the last thing I want to do."

I pursed my lips, feeling slightly bitter at his comment. What sort of game is he even playing? We're 'friends with benefits', but 'without the benefits'. We're 'friends that kiss each other on occasion', but God forbid he be seen with me in public. Hurting me is 'the last thing he wants to do', but that's literally what he's doing.

I shook my head in annoyance as I grabbed a pencil and started tapping it against the desk. "I think you were right.. About what you said earlier.." I trailed off, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat. "I don't think you should stay tonight."

He inhaled sharply. I didn't have to be looking at him to know that he was wearing a shocked expression.

"Lynna, I-" I cut him off mid-sentence.

"You should go," I stated firmly, gripping the pencil tightly.

A few agonizingly slow seconds passed before I heard him sigh once more. I imagined he was deflating like a popped balloon.

"You really don't want me to stay?" His voice sounded strained, as if it was physically hurting him to speak.

I longed to glance his way- To see if his face would match his sorrow-filled voice. Somehow, I managed to prevent myself from doing that; I knew how I would respond if I saw that his face was twisted in anguish- I would give in to him.

So, using every last ounce of determination I possessed, I responded in a stern tone, "No. I- I have a lot of homework I need to catch up on. I'll see you tomorrow."

I tensed up as I waited for him to leave. I knew I wouldn't be able to hear him leave, but I would certainly be able to feel his absence. To my dismay, the electrical current still hung in the air- Signaling that he was still here. I released a deep sigh before I spun around in my chair to face him. It was just as I had feared- His heart was in his eyes as he gazed at me, his face pulled down in pure sorrow. My heart yearned for him; it took a substantial amount of willpower not to jump to my feet and collapse in his arms. I knew I needed to stick to my guns. Clearly, whatever is going between us isn't going to go anywhere, which means I need to distance myself from him. I didn't want to walk away from this with a broken heart, and if I allowed myself to keep getting close to him, that's exactly what would happen. But deep down... I knew that it was too late for that. My heart was already tangled with his whether I wanted to admit it or not.

I bit my lower lip anxiously as I inhaled a shaky breath. His ember eyes darkened to the color of midnight as he locked eyes with me, causing my lower stomach to tighten deliciously. My core ached for him; my hormones were begging for me to let him stay.

I proffered him a half-hearted smile and spoke softly, "I just need to be alone right now, okay?"

He pressed his lips into a thin line before he asked in a voice that belonged to an angel, "Are you mad at me?"

I shook my head. "No. I'm not mad."

I was being sincere. I wasn't mad at him. It wasn't his fault that I allowed myself to get my stupid heart involved in our 'arrangement'.

His shoulders slumped forward, as if he had been defeated. "You're sure you don't want me to stay?" He whispered faintly as he turned towards the window; his eyes were pleading with me.

Why does it seem like he wants to stay so badly? Why was he looking at me as though I was holding his heart in my hands? My feet seemed to have a mind of their own as I stood up and walked towards the sad-looking boy.

"I'll see you in class tomorrow, okay? I'm not upset with you. I just need some time to.. refocus," I explained.

His face took on a solemn expression as he nodded. "Goodnight," he whispered before he seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving an empty void in his wake that caused my heart to ache.

I closed the window behind him and pulled the curtains together before I collapsed onto my bed and finally allowed the tears to fall. They silently rolled down my face and landed on my pillow. I clutched the other pillow to my chest, trying to hold myself together. This was going to be a long, cold night without my special friend that my heart was yearning for.