The next day, when I wake up, I simply lay in bed. My gaze is on the ceiling, but I don't actually see it. Thoughts run through my mind on just what I was thinking yesterday. How could I have just agreed to Sebastian like that? I must really be some lovestruck fool if I blindly agreed to get my heart shattered.

By the time my second alarm rings, I already feel exhausted from how the day will be. There will be a lot of questions from both Jenny and Micah. Speaking of Micah, I'll have to talk to her about what Sebastian said. Jesus, I hardly got onto him about saying such things in front of everyone. Hopefully, Mich is okay and she maybe doesn't care that the whole school knows her secret. Is it even true?

Anyways, once I'm finally in my bathroom, Sebastian is already outside honking. I'm not even dressed yet, having been too wrapped up in my thoughts. Quickly, I spread toothpaste on my toothbrush and dive into my mouth. The brushes are quick but thorough. After finishing there, I douse my face with water then dry. It's hardly a wash and I'm sure I'll be breaking out later today or sometime in the week.

I make haste with getting dressed. A pair of leggings and a t-shirt should do seeing as I'm not dressing up for anybody.

After throwing my hair into a ponytail, I pull on some shoes, grab my bag, and race down the stairs. Once outside, I see Sebastian bobbing his head to whatever he's listening to. Probably something slow and gentle. Subconsciously, a smile appears on my face as I watch him.

I make my way to the passengers side and pull the door open. "Hey!" I breathe, just now realising how out of breath I am.

He reaches out to turn the radio down before giving me a slow smile. My heart swells at the sight and I mentally command it to stop. I need to start dissolving these feelings I feel for Sebastian before I'm stuck forever. That's another reason I'm upset with myself for agreeing to be his beard. If I'm under Sebastian, I'll never get over him.

"Good morning, Emie bear." Sebastian unbuckles his seatbelt before leaning over to kiss my cheek. I know they flame up by my body breaking into a light sweat. "Ready to get to school and act like the last couple of days never happened?"

I furrow my eyebrows at his words. Is it that easy for him to just forget? I'll never be able to wipe what's been said out of my mind. And speaking of that, now is the perfect time to talk to him more about what was said with Micah.

I wait until Sebastian starts driving. I don't want to make us late if we just sit outside my house and talk. We had already skipped yesterday and my parents still haven't talked to me about that. Plus, we'll have all that school work to make up.

"Ten?" I call out to get his attention.

He glances over at me, the smile still on his face. "What's up?"

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax before diving into what I have to say. "I hate the way you attacked Micah yesterday. Now, I know that she said a lot of stuff too and there was no reason for her to do that, but I kind of expected more from you. You've been stressing, but I have never seen you so angry and I feel like that was a completely different side of you. What you said...and if front of everyone...that was inexcusable."

I take another breath, ready to speak again, but Sebastian beats me to it.

"I know, Emie." He sighs, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. His cheeks are red in-what I assume-shame. "I should've never gotten that angry. I felt so provoked when she came at me without even knowing the situation. She was just accusing me and being angry, and it made me mad that she would even entertain the thought that I'd purposely hurt you."

I really open my eyes now and look at Ten. He's truly innocent. We're humans, we make mistakes, and I know that was an out of character moment for him. Normally, he'd have walked away or replied in a calm fashion. Now I can really see that he's torn up about how he handled the situation. He feels guilty.

Reaching over, I run my fingers through the back of his hair. Even though the strands are short, I know it calms him because it always has. With a small reassuring smile, I aim it at him and begin repairing the small hole he feels in his chest from all the guilt and shame.

"You feel guilty...that's more than some other people would feel." I say softly. "I'm happy that you aren't satisfied with the situation because that wouldn't be the Sebastian I know and love-"

I cut myself off, growing red for the second time that morning. That was an accidental show of the real emotion I feel. I don't want our situation to be any more awkward than it already is. I'm not sure if Sebastian feels the same, but I can't help but to kind of walk on eggshells.

"I love you too." Sebastian surprises me by saying. "And I'll be apologizing to Micah today." He adds as he pulls into the school parking lot.

For a moment I sit and stare at the building. Students meet up with their friends, laughing and gossiping about whatever it is that happened recently. Suddenly I'm paranoid that every secret I have locked away is out. When we traveled to Crystalwood were there other Elderwood occupants at the diner? Did they hear our conversation? Was Sebastian indirectly outed by us?

It takes a minute for me to calm down. Letting out an anxiety filled breath, I look over to Sebastian. He's already watching me, his mouth pursed and eyebrows scrunched. When he reaches a hand out, I let him grab my cheek and look into my eyes with a great intensity.

"We're going to be okay, Emie bear." Sebastian whispers. He gives me a small, closed mouth smile, one I return slowly. "Let's get out the car and show everyone that nothing has changed.

That's all the encouragement I need to open the door, hoist my bag on my shoulder and step out. Sebastian does the same and makes his way over to me. With my hand held out, I feel him grab it and lace our fingers together, because we're in this together. Somehow, I feel like the two of us can conquer anything, as if it's us against the world.

* * *

By the time lunch rolls around, I'm mentally exhausted. All day people were coming up to me an asking if Sebastian and I had broken up. It seems most of the school had not seen us walk in hand in hand this morning. I've had to tell girls that he was still off the market and watch as their faces fell in disappointment. I'm had to tell guys that Sebastian is not a bachelor and watch as they either nodded their heads in some weird, smug way or listen as they groan. The reactions were both confusing and expected.

Sebastian is a good looking guy with brains and a good heart. Of course girls would want a chance at being with him. Anyone Sebastian would be with, he'd treat right. The boys of this school...I'm just not sure what their deal is.

As I walk into the cafeteria, I'm happy to see both Jenny and Micah already there at our usual table. They aren't talking to each other which isn't really a surprise. While Jenny is buried in her phone, a small, happy smile on her face, Micah is shoveling lasagna in her mouth. My mouth waters at the site. Our school makes amazing lasagna.

After grabbing my lunch, I make my way to the table. "Jesus, I'll never fight with Sebastian again." I say, setting my backpack on my lap and leaning against it.

"And I'll never get in the middle of you guys again." Micah mutters, taking a sip of her chocolate milk.

I'm taken aback by her tone. She seems...defeated almost? Like I'm not sure if she's feeling angry or resigned. It could be a mixture of both though.

"I'm glad you're finally learning to mind your own business." Jenny locks her phone and sets it down on the table. She pushes her hair back from her shoulder, the normally curly hair straight today.

"You got your hair done." I state the obvious, giving her a small smile. "It looks really good. I can't believe I didn't notice when I saw you earlier."

"Don't worry about it, Emie. You noticed now." Jenny returns the smile before picking up her phone as it vibrates.

Micah remains silent and I begin to grow concerned. Usually she would've said something snarky to Jenny like calling her out for being conceited or something. But as she continues to remain quiet, I can really see that something is wrong with her.

It suddenly hits me. What Sebastian said must've really hit deep with her. Could he have been right? But there's no way he would have known something like that. Micah doesn't just share things with people she isn't extremely close with. I know there are still things that bother her that she chooses not to share with me. So how could Sebastian know if Micah is gay or not?

I open my mouth, ready to ask her flat out, but I remember the look on Jenny's face when Sebastian had outed Micah. She had looked disgusted, as if being gay is a contagious and deadly disease. Rather than saying anything in front of Jenny and the whole cafeteria, I pull my phone out and shoot a text to Micah.

Are you okay?

Watching her, I bite my bottom lip and wait as she pulls her phone out. Micah's face is blank as she reads the text. Once she's done, she glances up at me, her eyebrow quirked in a question. I shrug and jut my chin out, signally her to text back. Then I look over at Jenny to make sure she's still occupied with her own device. Confirming that she is, I sit, impatiently waiting for Micah's reply.

What's with the text? You can't ask me in person?

I'm not sure if I'm being too sensitive, but even her text message seems a bit angry and aggressive. I could just be reading too much into nothing.

You seem off and I wanted to talk to you without anyone picking up on our conversation.

Her reply is instant. I can tell how quick she was because her finger had been flying against her phone screen.

Wow, even Jenny? How nice of you. I'm fine though, nothing to talk about. Now please let me enjoy my lunch.

My mouth drops open in disbelief. Micah just blew me off. I wasn't being sensitive, she is angry. I can't help but feel that maybe it's a bit my fault. But if it is...what had I done to make Micah so upset with me?

Why is everything suddenly blowing up in my face?

*Oh lord. One problem solved and another one arises. Micah is mad at Emie for some unknown reason. Any ideas as to why? I'd love to know what you think. Can anyone remember what Sebastian had said about Micah? I mean, it was already said in the chapter, but I gotta make sure we're all on the same page haha. But anyways, I'm so excited for what's to come. Sorry this chapter was a little boring. I gotta build up to it all, you know? I hope you enjoyed it and I'll see you next update!*