Autumn's birthday remembrance is a bust. Jared refuses to take part in my 'pity party' and Eva can't attend after her nervous breakdown. So, it's just Teresa and I seated in the old ice cream shop where it all started. The sun has long since said its goodbyes, but we no longer have a curfew to worry about.

"So, how've you been holding up?" Teresa asks softly, licking her vanilla ice cream.

I shrug, forcing myself to be strong. "I'm okay. How are things for you?"

She also shrugs. "I mean, I still have my home. Now that there is no one trying to track me down, I've been able to get a job and pay for electricity and water."

I nod. "That's good. I'm glad things are, um, better now." Even as I say the words, they don't taste right in my mouth. Nothing can ever be right after Autumn's death. It's clearly had a huge impact on all of us.

She leans forward on one elbow, the other close to her chest as she clutches her dripping ice cream cone. "You don't believe that, Cody. I miss her too. But, more importantly, I'm scared that this isn't over."

My eyebrows shoot up. "No, it's over. Gosh, I couldn't handle anything more." I'm fine living with my mom, my dad dead and gone. I mean, we've even managed to repair our mended relationship.

"But what if it isn't? I mean, do you think everything's really just- over?"

Staring straight into her grim expression, I can tell she truly believes in what she's saying.

"Teresa, I know it's been hard for you, hiding for so long. Having beef with a rebel group and kind of fearing for your life. But it's over. We're okay."

She shakes her head back and forth. "No. I knew the leaders of both the AntiChips and The Others. There's no way they're going to just- disappear."

Confusion floods through me. She can't be serious. She must have lost her mind. "Chips are gone. They have nothing to rebel against!"

Tears begin to form in her eyes. "It was never about getting rid of Chips. Well, maybe in the beginning, but not anymore! I don't know all the specifics, but I don't think we've achieved total peace and harmony."

"Well, that is impossible," I agree, suddenly annoyed and agitated. "But the whole Chip rebellion is over. It's history! It's going to be in the history books soon!"

"Cody," she speaks softly, almost as if trying to console a wailing child, "I know you want it to be over. I know you're hurting and I know it's difficult for you to fathom. But, just think-"

I stand up abruptly, slamming my chair into the table. "No! I just wanted to have a good day to celebrate Autumn's birthday, but no! You're even worse than Jared!"

"But-"

"But nothing!" I huff, spinning on my heel and waking out the door. My hands are balled into fists and my breathing is heavy. Luckily, Teresa doesn't attempt to follow me, as that would end badly for her.

I tug at my hair. There are no more tears to be shed, just anger and frustration to be felt. I just walk and walk, not caring where I'm going or who looks at me in a weird way.

Why, why can't my life be normal? Why can't Autumn just be here with me, with us? Why can't Teresa just accept the fact that it's over and we're all okay, or can't Jared understand that I've lost someone I deeply care about?.

Suddenly, I bump into a dark haired figure.

"Oops, sorry man!"

The person spins around, hoodie concealing their face. "Watch where you're going!"

I recognize that voice. Just great, it's Jackson, the jerk that abused Eva and tried to fight Autumn in the cafeteria.

"Geez, I said sorry," I mutter. I'm not in the mood for this.

The hood falls off his head, revealing his dark eyes. "Isn't your girlfriend the one that got rid of Chips?"

I stare him straight in the eye. "You bet she did."

His gaze softens. "Oh. I'm, er, sorry. For your loss."

My eyebrows furrow as I glance around the semi-dark street, the streetlight flickering. If he wanted to, he could probably jump me and no one would ever know. "Why are you acting nice all of a sudden, huh?"

He shrugs. "I'm not the nicest guy in the world, but I know when someone deserves my respect. You and your whole group do, for turning the world into what it is now."

As he's about to walk past me, I stop him. "Why do you have to be so rude to everyone? And what about Kaylee? What ever happened to her?"

He, again, shrugs, his back facing me. "I'm not sure, but I'm sure as heck not telling you. I'm only nice up to a degree. And if you ever find out what happened to Kaylee, let me know."

As I watch Jackson amble down the street, hands tucked into his pockets, I wonder about how little I really know about people.

Sighing, I glance around. I realize I have no idea where the heck I am. Cursing under my breath, I check my watch. It'll be able to give me directions to my house from here. Well, wherever 'here' is.

As I'm about to request a route home, I get a voice call from Eva. Immediately, I answer it. Yet, it's weird she doesn't want me to see her face.

"Hey," she croaks.

"Hey, Ev, you alright?"

I begin walking down the street in a random direction as I talk to her.

"I'm fine. How did Autumn's party go? I'm sorry I didn't attend."

"I understand," I sigh. "It was- I don't know. See you tomorrow."

With that, I exit out of the call and ask for directions home. Nothing matters except the slap of my sneakers against the pavement. Nothing at all.

------

And, another update! Yay! Sorry it's a little short but I wanted to end it there. Thoughts? And be honest because I'm not sure about this chapter. But Alyse_BreAnn wanted another update so here you go lol.

I MADE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MY BOOKS!

Maybe give it a follow? I tried to make a Twitter but ughh I'm so annoyed right now. It kept suspending my account AS SOON AS I MADE IT LIKE WHAT DID I DO?

QOTD: What did you think of Jackson's dialogue?

-Sarah