*Long chapter y'all. Hold onto your underwear.*

Christmas and New Year's had passed in the blink of an eye. Each holiday was uneventful to say the least. Christmas day had been filled with a nice, hefty dinner that left our fridge full of leftovers. Since everyone in the house is an adult, all of our presents had been gag gifts, save for the new phone my parents had gotten me. Other than that, I got a bar of soap, a candy necklace, and a new toothbrush. I can say that it had been full of laughs and it was nice to spend time with my family, even Shelly who had calmed down recently.

For New Year's I stayed home with Shelly to watch the ball drop on TV. My parents had a New Year's party to head to for my dads publishing company. They had also decided that they would stay in a motel afterwards just in case the roads got bad at night. I wasn't opposed to it.

After those two holidays, school started back up. Snow still covered the ground, but at least it hasn't snowed after Christmas. It was just about all of this thickness melting, but it didn't look like that would happen for another week.

The bell rings as I'm shoving books into my locker. A force slams into the locker next to mine, scaring me and causing me to jump. I look over to see a worse for wear Miguel. He looks inexplicably tired, as if this whole break was full of late nights. As he leans slumped on the locker, eyes closed, I noticed that his clothes are wrinkled and a little disheveled. He looks terrible.

Miguel opens his eyes when I close my locker. He slowly turns to face me, doing a double take once he looks at me. "Your hair?"

My hands lifts up to shyly tuck a strand behind my hair. The day after Christmas, when places were open, my mom had taken me to get a trim. Well, a trim ended up turning into a full blown haircut. Rather than going down my back, it was now cut to just below my ears. I was told this look was called a long pixie cut and I trust the hairdresser. I had a deep part on the right side of my hair so the hair was pushed to the left side. I had also gotten it dyed and I have to say this professional dye job is better than the at home job I had done. Not only that, but my roots had grown out a lot, revealing the blonde that's under the brown. Well, now I had decided to revert back to blonde. It wasn't hard since all my hair is gone, but they did have to dye the parts that were still brown which was really only the tops. Some highlights were also added to give it more pizzaz.

"Yeah, I decided to go with something new." I give Miguel a small smile, suddenly very self conscious of how I look. "I don't look bad do I?"

Miguel shakes his head frantically. "No, no. It suits you actually. I like the blonde better than brown on you." He admits sheepishly, a reassuring smile on his face.

"Good," I nod my head, blowing out a breath. I have no idea why I was so nervous about what he would think. "How was your Christmas?"

Miguel kicks off of the locker so he's standing away from it. "Good, good." He runs a hand through his hair, looking away from me. His mannerisms make me suspicious about how his break really was.

As soon as I open my mouth to grill him, a force knocks into me. I look behind me to see Jenny with a wide smile on her face. Looks like I'm not the only one who had gotten a new 'do. Jenny's hair is straight, a contrast from her normally kinky hair. I'm surprised to see it like that because before school had started back in August, she had told me that she was going to go the whole year with her in its natural curls. Now it was straight, but Jenny looks good with any hairdo.

"Hi, Jenny." I greet, turning to fully face her. We hug briefly, her hand shooting out to wave to Miguel. "How was your break?"

"Amazing. I got a bracelet from my dad and a necklace from my mom." she says enthusiastically. "I see you got a haircut."

I lift a hand to my hair, running my fingers through the chunk that's laid to one side. "Yes, yes I did. I see you also had some time at a hair salon."

Jenny flips her hair, a smirk now on her face. "Yes, yes I did." She mocks before we both break out into laughs. I nudge her lightly before turning to look at Miguel only to see he's disappeared. I make a mental note to speak with him later.

Jenny and I begin walking with her talking animatedly about how her holiday. Jenny had gone to visit her grandparents for Christmas and she had gotten a pleasant surprise when more of her family were there. The walk to our first class is spent with her telling me about all the shenanigans her and her cousin had gone through. When we part ways, I head into my class and she goes across the hall.

The day passes quickly and soon lunch is here. The teachers seemed to have given us a break because all my classes had been spent with us sharing what we did for Christmas and New Years. My stomach rumbles painfully as I make my way to the mess hall, or cafeteria to most. Looks like they're serving lasagna today and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

As I stand in line, I feel a hand grab my hip. I get a fright, not expecting someone to touch me in this intimate place. Turning, I see that it's Sebastian with a goofy, lopsided smile on his face. I breathe out and roll my eyes, shaking my head.

"Jesus, Ten." I grumble, fighting back my own smile. "I thought you were some random boy. You scare me."

"Sorry Emie bear." He chuckles, leaning forward to kiss my cheek. I feel my face heat up, my cheeks probably beet red. "You cut your hair?"

This seems to be the talk of the town. I guess I can understand since I had gone my whole life with long hair, only getting trims to straighten out split ends. Now to go through such a drastic change, people are at a loss for words. I hope they don't start conjuring up weird reason for why I cut my hair. I really only wanted a change.

"Do you like it?" I ask, toying with a strand. It's a bit awkward since I have to reach up now, but it still gives me something to do with my hands.

"You look beautiful." Sebastian says genuinely. My blush deepens at his words and I can't keep the smile off of my face. "How was Christmas?"

The rest of the time in line is spent with me sharing with Sebastian about how my Christmas had gone. Sebastian even tells me that his family had hosted some charity event to raise money for underprivileged children. His Christmas had been spent around a bunch of rich people who were quite happy to give their money to a good cause. His New Years was spent at some party to celebrate the New Year and some sort of business deal his father had won. The only fulfilling part is the charity because you're giving back, but everything else sounds terrible.

"I wish I could've kissed you at midnight," Sebastian suddenly says, taking me by complete surprise. My head snaps over to his as we walk. "Have lunch with me? Please?"

I nod my head slowly, not being able to resist the temptation We settle down at a moderately empty table, a few people around. Remembering that I usually sit with Miguel, my eyes trail over the cafeteria to look for him. When I find him, he's sat with Jenny, but his eyes are on me. I give a small wave, hoping he knows I'll be with them tomorrow. Miguel waves back, as does Jenny. After that, I focus back on Sebastian. Like Miguel, his eyes are focused on me. What's up with these guys today? Must be the hair.

"Can I take you out, Emie?" Sebastian asks, leaning forward. I shovel a piece of lasagna into my mouth, chewing slowly to save me time from answering.

"No." I speak softly after swallowing. "I don't think so."

Sebastian gives me a pout, but he still looks so handsome. "Damn, I thought you'd say yes. Looks like I'll just have to keep pursuing you."

I roll my eyes and shake my head. "You won't woo me, Sebastian Caldwell." I tell him, but as those words leave my mouth, his eyes spark in determination.

"We'll see about that, Emie bear."

* * *

And pursue, he did. Throughout the month of January, Sebastian had found any way to surprise me whether it we with flowers, chocolate, or teddy bears, there was always something. Since Sebastian and I had gotten together at thirteen years old, there was never really a courting process. We were just boyfriend and girlfriend and that was that. We did go on little days when we got older so from about sixteen until we ended things, but there was never and wooing. I have to say, Sebastian is good at it.

When my birthday had come, Sebastian had made sure to make a big show of it at school since it landed on a school day. He had come in with eighteen balloons to represent my eighteenth birthday, a dozen and a half of daisies since they're my favorite flower, and he had gifted me a charm bracelet. It was all so amazing that it made me cry. I hadn't expected anything because I didn't really want anything, but to get this, it was amazing. I had invited him for cake and ice cream at my house. Sebastian was a pleasant surprise for my parents, especially since we had come in with the balloons and flowers.

Even with all of this, I still played hard to get. Each time he asked me out, I declined. It's not because I liked to torture Sebastian, though I did love seeing his cute pout, it's because I still wasn't sold on the fact that he was suddenly in love with me. There was still a huge part of me that didn't want to get my heart broken again. That pain was worse than period pain.

Despite all this, though, Micah had been telling me to give him a chance. Along with Jenny, Shelly, and my mom. They were all on team Sebastian after each time I'd leave school and come home with little gifts from him. I was starting to feel like some sort of gold digger though I hadn't really asked for all of this.

That brings us to now, February fourteenth. The day also known as Valentine's Day. Our tiny student council had taken it upon themselves to decorate the halls with red, pink, and white. Hearts were everywhere and it was kind of giving me anxiety. As I stand before my locker, I watch as couples kiss in the halls and exchange little gifts to each other. It's so cute it makes me sick.

I turn the combination on my lock and pop the locker open. I'm greeted with the sight of a small, brown teddy wear with a plush heart sewn to its hands. 'I love you' is printed in a pretty cursive on the red heart. My heart swells at the sight of it, a small smile on my face. I can feel my wall breaking down, slowly, but surely.

"What's that?" A voice says from behind me. I turn to see Miguel who's noisily looking over my shoulder. "Emie, did you buy yourself a Valentine's Day present?" He teases as he steps to the side of me.

I shake my head. "It's from Sebastian. It's cute right?"

I turn towards Miguel to see his smile fall. He looks away from me and lifts a hand to rub the back of his neck. I almost ask him what's wrong, before I remember that a couple months ago, Miguel had kissed me. Now, I could be wrong, but kissing someone usually means that feelings are there.

I bite my lip, grab what I need, then close my locker. "I'm sorry..." I mumble.

"What for?" Miguel asks, a fake smile now plastered on his face. "Are you guys back together now?"

"No." I say quickly, though I don't really know why. It sounded so defensive and I feel as if that'll give a bad impression. I was just thinking about telling Sebastian that I'm ready to have a go. "I mean-I don't know?"

Miguel frowns before he reluctantly nods his head. "Right, okay. Um, I guess congratulations?"

As Miguel goes to turn away, I reach out for his arm. I can't let him leave without us talking about this. Miguel had kissed me in November and I had brushed him off like he was a speck of dirt. Now I'm rubbing all of this in his face. It can't feel good, I know it doesn't. I know heartbreak and while he may not love me, this has to hurt.

Before I can reach him, somebody yanks me back. It's not too hard, but enough to pull me out of reach of Miguel. With an irritated sigh, I turn to my assailant and from. Though my mood uplifts as I see a face covered by another teddy bear. This one is just a simple, brown bear with a cute little black bow tie. The bear lowers to reveal Sebastian with a large grin on his face.

"Emie bear, I got you another teddy bear." He hands the little thing out to me. I take it and clutch it against my chest happily. "Happy Valentine's Day."

Sebastian moves forward and puckers his lips. I giggle lightly and shove the bear into his face. His head juts back hard as he sputters, pulling hair from his lips.

"You wound me, Emie." Sebastian sighs, but a smile is on his face.

"Thank you, Sebastian," I say as I step to his side. We begin walking towards my class. "Everything you've gotten me, thank you, but I think you should stop. It makes me feel weird that you're doing all of this for me. We're friends, you know?"

Sebastian turns to me with his lopsided smile and I know he won't listen to a word I'm saying. "Emie, friends get friends presents. I'm happy to do this for you, really. I want to, so please let me."

With a defeated look to the ground, I nod my head. I'll let him. We reach my class shortly and as I look up to tell him bye, my eyes catch the sight of the one and only Cody. His glare is set on me, causing a terrified shiver to go down my spine. I've never seen someone look so hateful before, especially not at me. Enemies weren't a common thing for me, for small towns, yes, for Emerson Badgley, no. To see his fists clenched at his sides, lips and eyebrows down turned, it made me nervous.

I look away from Cody and up to Sebastian. With a wave and a pat to his shoulder, I step into my class, escaping the intrusive stare of Cody. Yet all throughout class, I can't stop thinking about the look I had received from that boy. He looked as if I had taken everything from him and if by everything, that means Sebastian, then maybe I have in someway. Though is it really my fault that Sebastian doesn't return his feelings anymore? No, it's not.

The bell rings, pulling me from my thoughts on this dilemma. I gather my things and follow after my classmates, exiting the class quickly. This next period is when we'll receive out carnations. Every Valentine's Day, our principal gets all of the girls a single, red carnation. Roses were out of the question since they're so expensive, but the carnations were still beautiful and the gesture was still wonderful. People did have the chance to buy extra carnations for their boyfriends or girlfriends. The principal made sure to always get enough.

As I settle into my seat, I watch as two girls come in. They both are carrying a handful of carnations. Once the class fills up, they start handing out the flowers. Once mine is handed to me, I take a whiff, getting nothing but the basic flower smell. Despite how much I love flowers, I've never been able to tell the difference in smells, but that didn't matter to me. I liked the earthy smell they all seemed to carry.

The girls leave, but soon somebody else comes in. They're carrying a bouquet of roses and my eyes widen. The person goes to the teacher, whispering something to them. Whoever is receiving that must be a lucky girl. The roses look so fresh as if they had just bloomed. None of them are wilting or even close to doing so.

"Emie," the teacher motions to me. She gives me a small smile, but I can tell she's slightly annoyed that she hasn't gotten to start her lesson.

I get up from the desk and make my way over to the girl and my teacher. The girl hands the flowers to me, beaming as she does so. As I reach out for them, she seems a little reluctant to let them go. When she does, she quickly leaves the room. I walk back to my desk, a blush on my face. A card is attached, so I pluck it from the little holder that's sticking from between the flowers.

'Go out with me tonight? I'll make sure you don't regret it.'

A heart is under the words, Sebastian's name next to the heart. I feel moisture bead in the corner of my eyes as I look at the note. A small giggle escapes me before I'm quickly hushed by the teacher.

The rest of my classes before lunch can't end soon enough. Maybe I'm just too anxious to see Sebastian. This is the final piece that needed to be placed. The wall is down, I'm opening up my heart to him again. I'm going to throw caution to the wind and let Sebastian take me out. I'm going to let him wine and dine me then I'm going to let him make me his girlfriend.

I deposit the roses into my locker, not wanting to carry them around all day. With a pep in my step, I start making my way to the cafeteria. Once in, I only look around for Sebastian, but I see that I'm here before he is. That's fine, it gives me time to get lunch and come up with a clever way to say yes to him.

Once my lunch is got, I find a table and sit down. I'm soon joined by Miguel. It immediately gets tense and awkward. Before he can speak, his phone chimes, but he ignores it. My phone chimes next but I brush it off as a weird coincidence. In this day and age, phones are always going off because it's a lifeline for everyone.

"Emie," Miguel closes his eyes and shakes his head. "I have to tell you something."

"Oh my God!" Someone shrieks loudly. I glance briefly in that direction, but choose to pay no mind to it. The cafeteria is filling up quickly, but Sebastian is still not near.

Someones phone chimes, followed by another, and another. I furrow my eyebrows, shaking it off again. Reach out, I motion for Miguel to continue. He sighs and rubs at his eyes which look so unbelievably tired.

"I don't even know how to tell you this." He mutters just as another series of phones go off. I look around, my attention shifting away from Miguel. I watch people as they check their phone and each of them adopt surprised looks on their faces. I see some people cover their mouths.

More phones go off and more people check. There are more shocked looks and some people are laughing. I have no idea what's happening, but I guarantee it can't be good. Looking around, I see Micah. Her eyes are glued to her phone before she looks up. Her face is angry, completely thunderous. When our gazes lock, her face softens and she mouths something to me, but I can't make it out.

"Aisha's cancer is back, but it's worse this time. It's not just in her brain." Miguel finally says. I snap my head back over to him, frowning, my heart breaking at that.

"What? Oh no, Miguel, I'm so sorry. How are you parents?" Everyone is momentarily forgotten as I focus on my friend.

"Not good." Miguel shakes his head. "They've been thinking that we might need to-"

"Emie." Sebastian drops down next to me, effectively cutting off Miguel.

Miguel scoffs at the sight of Sebastian. He shakes his head and stands to his feet. Looking down at me, it's like he's waiting for me to say something, to stop him from leaving, but I don't. I only look up at him, silently telling him that it's okay and that he can speak to me. Miguel sighs before he walks away, pulling his phone from his pocket.

"What's wrong with him?" Sebastian frowns. His tone isn't spiteful because Sebastian isn't the type of person who will constantly 'one up' you. "Did I do something? Actually, it doesn't matter. Did you get my flowers?"

I smile as I turn to face him. "Yes, I did."

"And?" He asks impatiently, his eyes wide and searching for an answer.

"Houston, we have lift off." I give him a half smile, aware that this is the worst way to say yes. But Sebastian understands as he breaks out into a wide smile.

Sebastian jumps up, his fist happily in their air. With a giggle, I look around to see the whole cafeteria with their eyes on us. Now that I realize it, the whole place is quiet too. It's kind of creepy actually. Shaking my head, I continue to look around, tuning Sebastian's ramblings out. As I'm looking, I catch sight of Cody who's leaning up against a wall.

He gives me a smirk and lifts his hand. By squinting my eyes, I can just make out the sight of his phone in his hand. He jiggles it before pointing towards it then pointing at me. I frown and look down at my phone that's on the table, face down. Picking it up, I look back at Cody who nods. The smile on his face is now malicious, truly something evil.

I huff and shake my head as I unlock my phone. There had been a new message on the screen, but I had unlocked my phone without properly looking at it. How did he even get my number anyways? There's no way I would've given it to him willingly, nor do we even talk for him to ask for it. I mean, I'm just assuming he's the one who texted me since he's telling me to look at my phone. I click on the text message app and immediately see my messages pull up. At the top is an unknown number so I click. It's a single picture so I click to enlarge it. When I do, I gasp loudly at the sight.

Clear as day, it's Sebastian Caldwell with his lips locked onto Cody's. While it could be anybody, the camera is angled to where it's easy to tell that it's Sebastian and Cody's sandy hair is easily recognizable.

"What?" Sebastian asks, making me look up at him. He has a grin on his face and he looks so happy. I don't want this to ruin that, I want nothing to ruin that. "Em, have you noticed how many people are staring at us? Maybe I went overboard with all those gifts?"

I shake my head, my eyes shooting to Cody who's busy with his phone. Once done, he looks up at me. He nods his head before swiftly exiting the cafeteria. I hear a vibrate and look around before my gaze slowly trails to Sebastian. I watch as his fingers fly over his screen.

"Cody texted me. I should've blocked him," Sebastian mumbled, his attention focused on his phone.

Someone comes up to the table, slamming their hands down. I'm quiet, at a loss for words. This person, someone from the football team glares down at Sebastian. Ten looks up at his teammate, an awkward and confused smile on his face.

"Yes, Joe?" He asks, an eyebrow raised. Sebastian's gaze goes back to his phone as he opens his messages.

It's like everything happens in slow motion. Sebastian opens the message and clicks on the picture. His face becomes white as he stares down at the screen. He looks up and around at everyone. His gaze comes to me and at this moment he looks so helpless, so unsure.

"Sebastian, you're gay?" Joe asks but it's like he's speaking in slow motion. Sebastian looks over at his mate, his eyes wide and face horror stricken.

Sebastian doesn't say anything as he looks around once again. I can see the panic in his eyes, the anger and sadness starting to cloud his vision. He shoots up from the chair and Joe backs away quickly, as if Sebastian has some sort of disease. I watch Sebastian as his eyes drop to the floor. Without a word, he grabs his bag and takes long strides towards the exit of the cafeteria.

It seems we're always one step forward but two steps back.

*Hello, hello. I usually don't do this, but this chapter was 4k words. How about that! Hah, anyways, wow. Can you believe this shit? Cody is such an asshole, I told y'all not to forget him. Look what he done did. How do you guys feel about this? How do you think Sebastian is feeling? Now, remember Sebastian's dad? Well, don't forget him. An appearance will be made soon. Please, y'all, don't forget to vote and comment, okay? Thank you so much for reading.*