Tuesday were usually Krystals bad days. It was hard to get out of bed, hard to think properly. Everyone complained that Monday's were the worst, but for Krystal, those were adrenaline days. She could make it by on adrenaline, coffee and a prayer. This Tuesday, felt like the started of the end of the world.

Not only did Krystal spill her coffee on herself, she then proceeded to burn her tongue with it as well. Her hair was a mess and refused to comply not matter the amount of hairspray and coconut oil she used. Even her makeup looked off. Today was not Krystals day.

From the moment she woke up, chaos played with her life. Krystal sank into her second to last row spot with no table partner. Weirdly, people feared her and she didn't mind one bit. Less people who want to interact with her.

There was a knock at the class room door just before it swung open. Mr. Willy, the geography teacher walked in with his class in tail. Krystal ignored their existence. Blake noticed her immediately.

Can today get any worse?

I really hope we get to pick our partners. Krystal can't say no for a school project.

"Please, students, take a seat where you can." Mrs. Greene, Krystals history teacher welcomed the other students. As the students started to look for seats, Blake beelined for the empty one beside Krystal. She slid her bag on top to stop him. He settled for the seat behind her.

After several minutes of students finding spots, a slimy, dark haired boy lingered around. He stood next to the empty seat beside Krystal. He cleared his throat.
"Can I sit here?" He spoke just above a whisper. Krystal swatted her bag to the floor. It fell with a dull thud. "Uh, okay." He climbed into the chair.

Mr. Willy and Mrs. Greene went over their project for the quarter. The students were assigned to visit 2 places of meaning and do a writing assignment on them. They wont be picking their partners, they will be assigned to them.

Great, another stupid group project. At least we can't pick our partners. Blake would have asked and I can't say no. Mrs. Greene would through a hissy fit.

Well that puts a wrench in my plans.

Mrs. Greene started to pair the students going at random. Mr. Willy was handing out the informational packets. Krystal flipped the stack back without acknowledging Blake.
"Blake Hardy, I will pair you with," her eyes scanned the room and landed on the same person they started with. "Krystal Kamowski."

Kill me now.

Wow, am I lucky. Maybe she just saw me trying to get close to Krystal. Either way, lucky.

She carries on matching the rest of the class. Krystal knows once the pairing is over, the class will switch seats to sit with their partners. Krystal begs that her teacher takes as long as possible to finish the pairings.

Over too soon for Krystal and not soon enough for Blake, the pairing is complete. The class gets up and moved to find a spot with their partner. Krystal remains motionless in her seat. Blake gladly takes the initiative.
"Do you believe in destiny?" He asked plopping down next to her. Krystal rolled her eyes.
"No, I believe your persistence got us into this predicament." Blake chuckled.
"Come on Krystal, I think you're being a bit grumpy." She glared at him, shooting daggers with her eyes. Blake bent down to grab Krystals back and slid it back to her.
"Thanks." She grumbled.
"Sure." He shrugged. "So where should we go?"

There really isn't a single place I want to go with Blake Hardy, but unfortunately that's not an option for me.

"The moon." Krystal muttered.
"Ha, ha, very funny." Blake scooted his chair closer to hers. The fresh scent of him wafted to Krystal. She discreetly inhaled him.

At least he smells good.

How am I going to make this work? I was hoping for some input but the moon is not a rational place.

Blake drew up the outline for the project that Krystal protested doing. She only protested to Blake, but it was still a protest.

You think she'd just accept it and help, but nope. Stubborn as hell, of course. Saw that coming.

After class let out, it was lunch. Most kids either ate outside or in the cafeteria. Krystal liked to eat alone, so she ate in the library.
"Krystal?" Blake tried to follow her through the swarm of students but she moved faster than he did. By the time he was in the clear, she was long gone.

Won't he just leave me alone already?!

See you around, partner.

"Who were you chasing after?" Ted pulled Blake back to their friend group.
"No one." Ted ignored Blake and went on his prideful speech with their group of friends.

The rest of the day Blake lingered in his thoughts, not present for much else. Classes became a blur and he just wanted to go home. Blake wasn't much of a complainer, but today he was the center of complaint, every hour on the hour.

Today's heavy weight only seems to drag Krystal further and further down. One thing after another cut away at her breathing ability. At one point towards the end of the day, she barricade herself in the bathroom to avoid a melt down. In the mists of the pacing, string of curse words and air punches, Krystal decided to visit her sister again tonight.

I just need someone to listen. Someone to hear me.

In every hallway, Blake kept his eyes peeled for Krystal but she was no where to be found. Even in the parking lot after school, she was gone. He sat in his Jeep fiddling with his keys. Something over came and he jabbed the keys in the ignition.

Nancy. I need to go see Nancy. Whether Krystal is there or not, I need to see Nancy.