Things were weird without Jude there. My dorm felt empty, classes were boring, and I was filled with constant worry. I was constantly checking my mailbox for a letter from Jude, or a letter saying that he was killed, or a letter saying that he was injured. I was so worried, and anxious, and depressed without my friend.

My grades began dropping, and I found myself very distracted once again in latin, and, once again, it was because of Jude. However, it war for and entirely different set of circumstances this time. I kept my head down, and my eyes on my table, not taking in a word my professor said.

"Hey. Sorry to hear about Jude. He was a very good person." May whispered to me, reaching across her desk and placing a comforting hand on my own. It failed to be comforting.

"Was?" I asked, already started to panic and tear up. "Did you hear something that I didn't? Why do you know something that I don't? Is he dead?"

"No, no, no. I only heard that he was shipped out. I'm sure he's fine, and if anyone would know, it would be you. I'm sorry." May responded. Though I appreciated her apology, and her concern, it was too late. I was already having a panic attack.

I got up and ran out of the class, not caring about what the professor, or anyone else thought, because I could not be in that room anymore. I was feeling claustrophobic, unsafe, and horribly worried for Jude's safety. I ran straight to my mailbox, and threw it open. There was nothing inside. So, I hurriedly took my phone out of my pocket, and sunk to the floor as I texted Jude.

Jude, I miss you.
Are you ok? I'm really worried.
I know that you aren't going to answer, but I really want to tell you that I miss you and I am very, very worried.
You're not hurt are you?
Or dead?
Please don't be dead. I would be freaking out even more if you were dead.
I'm sure you're fine.
Hopefully.
I can't wait for you to get back.
I love you.

^^^

"Come on Brian. It's been a month and all you've done is hide in your room and worry." Mandie whined.

"That's not true. I've been going to some of my classes. And checking the mail." I argued.

"Your grades are dropping and so is your health. You need to get out. Come to lunch with me." Mandie pushed. I sighed, and I knew that I wouldn't be winning this battle.

I got dressed and agreed to go out to lunch with Mandie. I didn't feel like making much of an effort, but I knew that Mandie wouldn't be satisfied if I didn't.

So, I dressed in some skinny jeans, with a dark blue sweater that fit me nicely. It was cold outside, but I never wore a coat, so the sweater was good enough.

Then we left, and Mandie drove the both of us to a Denny's. I didn't really feel like eating, but for Mandie's amusement, I did pick out something to eat.

"Hi and welcome to Denny's. I'll be your waiter this evening. Can I start you off with some drinks?" I heard a male voice say. I looked up so that I was looking at the waiter when I ordered my drink.

I froze up, upon seeing that I was looking into the face of the mysterious guy from the party. I immediately tensed up, and couldn't contain the blush that was creeping onto my face. He was wearing black pants, with a black polo shirt that had an Denny's logo on it, he had a black apron tied around his waist, and his hair was pulled back into a short and messy ponytail. He had taken out his piercings, but still wore the twine bracelet. However, I was too shocked to take a good look at it. He looked good.

"Um, Mandie, you can order first." I said awkwardly, refusing to look at the guy. Thankfully, Mandie didn't notice.

"Can I please have a strawberry milkshake?" Mandie asked.

"Yes m'am. And you?" The guy asked. I glanced up and saw him looking at me, waiting for a response.

"Umm, chocolate milk please?" I said as if it was a question. My blush grew bigger as I heard the guy chuckle at me.

"Chocolate milk?" Mandie asked, raising her eyebrow at me.

"I panicked." I shrugged nervously.

It wasn't much longer before the guy brought us over our drinks, and asked us if we were ready to order.

"I am. Are you?" Mandie asked me. I glanced over the menue again, not really taking anything in.

"No. I'm still deciding. Do you have any recommendations?" I asked the guy, taking a risk and instantly regretting my decision.

"Yeah, here." The guy said, going to sit beside me. I scooted all the way to the end of the booth so that he had more than enough room, but he scooted down too so that we were really close together.

I blushed a lot, and was low key freaking out, but I still listened as the guy went through the menue with me, telling me what he liked.

"I think I'll order this." I said softly, pointing to a typical breakfast.

"Alright sounds good." The guys said enthusiastically, writing down my order. I just kind of avoided eye contact and smiled politely.

"Hey, can I ask you a question?" The guy asked very softly so that Mandie wouldn't hear.

"Sure." I replied equally as softly.

"Where's your boyfriend?"

"Somewhere in Eurasia sniffing out bombs. And he's not my boyfriend anymore. We split up about a month ago when he shipped out." I was sad once again.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you still have my number?" I shook my head, and the guy smirked a bit.

Then he just got up and left to put our orders in. Mandie gave me a questioning look, and I tried to avoid her gaze, pretending that nothing was unusual. However, I knew that Manie would not fall for my pretending.

"What was that about?" She asked.

"He was helping me decide what to order." I shrugged, as if it was no big deal.

"What was with the whispering?"

"He had heard about Jude. He just wanted to share his concerns." News about Jude had traveled fast, and I blamed it on the fact that people loved to gossip about anything they could. This meant that my lie about the guys expressing his concerns, was believable enough for Mandie to, although skeptically, drop the subject.

When the guy brought us back our food, he sat down next to me and started up a conversation. I was nervous, and shocked, but Mandie was friendly, and contributed to the conversation. I talked a lot more though, and it was weird and unexpected to me.

"Word got around about Jude. Do you guys know where he's at?" The guy asked, his voice smooth.

"No." Mandie and I both said.

"Well that doesn't mean anything. He's probably just moving around a lot, and you mentioned that he's sniffing out bombs. So he has a dog?" The guy asked.

"Yes." I responded.

"Well then he's probably just really busy. He has to make sure his dog is healthy, and he's probably training his dog to make sure that it's good at what it's trying to do. When was the last time you got a letter from him?"

"About a week. He usually sends one every week. Or at least he tries to."

"Are you three close?" The guy asked. Mandie and I both nodded.

"He's been my best friend since we were in kindergarten. We didn't meet Mandie until sixth grade, but we've been very good friends for years now." I replied.

"We both miss our friend." Mandie added as she sadly ate her pancakes.

"Well he's fine."

The guy sat and talked with Mandie and I for a while. He would have to get up every now and then to take care of people at other tables, but we had conversations with him nonetheless. We didn't just talk about Jude, we also talked about school, interests, hobbies, politics, and various other topics. It was nice, and certainly helped me take my mind off of Jude.

When Mandie and I were ready to go, and conversations with the guy were slowing down, We asked for the check. I can't honestly say that I was surprised when the guy winked at me, and gave me a smirk as he set the check down. I hesitantly picked it up, not entirely wanting to know what the guy had possibly left, other than the bill. Upon opening the check, I not only found our receipt, but an additional piece of paper too. On the paper, was, in neat writing, a phone number, with a name.

Chic.

That was his name. It was a strange name, and I couldn't decide whether or not it was his birth name. It also crossed my mind that it might have been a nickname. Either way, the name suited him well, and the more I said it in my mind, the more I began to like the name. Chic. Chic.

Chic.