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Brain pulled me towards the field, making me drop my bag and screamed on top of his lungs.

"Coach! Don't start! We're here!"

I was glad Drake grabbed my bag from behind but wasn't when I saw coach's face. He looked pissed. "Is everyone here?" We all nodded. "Finally, alright, so, today, I'm going to let you guys off because you're going to be too excited to focus on practicing. I want to let you guys know that we're going on a small trip as a team, sponsored by the school's own music club."

Everyone hooted. The students on the side of the gathering, the musicians, laughed, patting each other on the back at their achievement.

"The trips a day long, I know, not that exciting now, is it? But, we're going to just have fun and relax. It's all about sports and music so I don't want any other unwanted actions happening." We snickered it at but kept quiet when the coach turned to our direction, again. "I still need the permission slip filled and that's due in two days. 

"If you don't have the signature of your parents or guardians by Wednesday, then you won't have a chance to get on the bus with us. You don't really need to pack anything except for food and an extra pair of clothes or two. Make sure to bring insect repellent because when we're coming home, it's going to be dark.

"We need to make sure everyone has a way to get back home after the trip. Since we'd probably be back at nine to ten, we need to make sure if you have your own transport or someone picking you up. Next notice is that I don't want any disrespect towards anyone by anyone during this day trip. I won't tolerate it and nor will Mrs. Willson. 

"The place we'll be going to, is the springs, no, not the actual springs. Where do you think the music club gets their money? It's the artificial springs at the west. We're going to play a few games other than soccer and then eat lunch and dinner at a restaurant near by. You though, have to bring money for the bus. That's not free."

A few groans but I shrugged. It was better than nothing. We were getting free food in the end anyways.

"Alright, the music team, you guys are all good on your side right?" Coach eyed each and every one of them and I noticed Abigail, the girl that got paired up with Brian for English. "Everyone's here right?"

A girl nodded, tucking her hair behind. "Sure, everyone's here except for our guitarist. But he knows what's going on so it won't be a problem."

"Who's your guitarist?"

"Max Winters." I frowned when I realized that indeed, Max Winters wasn't here. He was a part of the music club? "It's fine though. He's kind of the person who helped with the whole organization. We'll make sure he knows what's going on."

"Well, make sure he has a heads up on all the rules. I won't let him go just because he wasn't here." Then coach turned to us. "Alright then, off you go. Make sure to get the permission slip from Mrs. Willson in the music room."

We walked away, all so happy that there was no practice after school. Most of the guys ran to their cars, yelling out something about catching the girls at the mall or something while Drake, Finn and I slowly made our way out.

When we were in the building, Brian came running towards our way, waving a paper in his hand.

"Why are you guy so slow?! Here, get the shit signed before Wednesday. Now, I'm going before I miss my ride! See ya!" Then he was out.

Finn slowly gave us our slips as we continued to get out of school. It was already empty.

"Took your time, I see."

I jumped, shoving Drake a little as a result. He cursed but I continued to stare at Katie, who hand one of the earphones stuck in her ear while the other was in her hand. "What are you doing here?!"

She rolled her eyes before linking her arm with mine. "Mason had to go early for some reason. I didn't have a ride because the girls were going to the mall and I wanted to go home. Thank god your practice got cancelled huh? Plus, it looks like it's going to rain today."

We waved at Finn who went his own way and got to my car. "Meet you at my house?" I asked Drake.

He shook his head. "You never come to mine so no. I have stuff to do."

I raised a brow. "I thought you said that your parents didn't like it when people came over."

The guy chuckled and nodded. "I know, it just pisses me off sometimes. But seriously though, I have tones of shit to do before I go on this trip. There's no way mum's going to let me go if I don't finish them."

Then he walked away. Getting in, Katie and I drove back home. We fought over the radio until I finally asked the question that's been burning my curiosity.

"Where did Mason go? Something so important that he couldn't drop off his girlfriend at her house?"

Katie though, nodded. Why was she so different to all those girls at school. Mason's one lucky bastard. "Max called him and he was suddenly telling me that I needed to find a ride. He was out as soon as the bell rang."

Max?

Max Winters?

"Yes Max Winters. Why do you always find it hard when we talk about him? I mean, he literally sits with us during most of our lunches and is literally Mason's best friend."

I didn't answer.

Max didn't come to school today and he'd called Mason during it. Was something wrong?

Why was I worrying over him?

"Did something happen?"

Katie gave me another eye roll. Where was she getting all those eye rolls from? "I pretty sure, when I said that my boyfriend dropped me from driving me home without a reason or care, I'd meant that something is, yes, wrong. I don't know yet. I'll tell you once I get contact of Mason."

I frowned, getting out of the car. "Why would you tell me?"

"Because, silly, you're worried! You're worried about Max Winters, wondering what'd happened to him and why he wasn't at school and why he suddenly needed Mason when-"

"Wait, wait, wait. Hold the train Paws, what the heck are you talking about?! Me?! Worrying over Max Winters?! Winters?! Do you hear yourself?! I hate that guy!"

Lies.

We walked into the house, ignoring dad's wave.

"Sure, sure, big bro but, whatever fits your pants really... you do know, you could call him and ask, right?"

My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "How do you know that I have his number?"

"You do have a project to do together, right? I thought you'd have his number to contact- you know what? I'm done trying to explain it to you. Figure what's going on by yourself."

Then she ran up the stairs. I stood stoned at the kitchen counters, ignoring dad's weird gaze as I tried to conclude what'd just happened.

The more I thought about it, the more freaked out I became. I couldn't go back to Katie and ask her if she knew what'd happened. It's not like something actually happened.

Maybe Winters was sick or something.

In cue, the sky grumbled and before I knew it, the windows were getting a few sprinkles here and there. The front door opened and mum came rushing in, a hand over her head and her handbag tucked under her armpit.

"Aren't I lucky to get home early today?"

I stared at her before nodding slightly. She turned to dad, who continued to do his own little thing. "What happened?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. They were having a conversation before Katie just left him hanging. Anyways, how are you home three hours earlier than usual?"

"Because of rain, they decided to postpone the unpacking and all. No one likes a wet and drenched painting. We plan to do the organizing in the mornings so they let us off before it starts to poor cats and dogs."

"Why the sudden climate change?"

They both looked at me like I had two heads.

"What do you mean darling? It's almost the dark days of weather. Everyone expects rain during the cold season no?"

I nodded, slowly walking up the stairs.

"What's wrong with him?" I heard mum ask dad but there was no response. He must've shrugged again.

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Something's about to happen guys; sit tight!