The morning sun filtered through Emma's bedroom window as she and Hayley sat cross-legged on her bed. Various snacks and magazines were scattered around them, though neither seemed interested in them.

"Thanks for coming over, Hales. I really didn't want to be on my own today," Emma said softly, hugging a pillow to her chest.

Hayley looked up from arranging cookie crumbs into patterns on a napkin. "Hey, don't even worry about it! You'd do the same for me!" She studied her friend's face with concern. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Terrible." Emma's voice cracked slightly. "I think it's only now that it's properly sinking in. Seeing him again after all these years was so good, I had almost started to believe... what I mean is, I had a chance to make up for my past mistakes, and I blew it!"

Hayley shifted closer, her expression sympathetic. "You thought that you had a second chance with him. I understand. But Em, it's not your fault that things didn't work out this time! Crystal had him in her sights from day one. And it was his choice to go out with her. There was nothing you could have done to change that. Besides, if Mason has really fallen for Crystal, he can't be the same guy you were in love with. Maybe more things have changed in the last three years than his grades."

"I suppose you're right." Emma's fingers traced patterns on her bedspread. "When I knew him, he was so kind and decent. I can't imagine the old Mason finding anything attractive in a person like Crystal."

"He sounds like a great guy... When he was in middle school at least." Hayley tucked her legs underneath her. "Would it help to tell me more about him at least?"

A sad smile played across Emma's lips. "I think it would... we used to see each other everyday in middle school, even in the holidays. He had this stupid nickname for me," she smiled sadly, "coffee bean– because of my caffeine addiction. It was cute. He was cute. Always so enthusiastic about everything– except school. The day we broke up, I met him at crescent park to talk. He didn't see it coming at all."

The memory transported Emma back to that day three years ago. The scene unfolded in her mind: Crescent Park on a warm afternoon, the leaves rustling overhead as Mason approached with his usual bright smile.

"Hello, coffee bean! I heard about your test results. That blows. The teacher was definitely biased against you." His voice was been full of warmth and concern. "So why'd you want to meet me here; what's up?"

Emma's voice trembled as she stood before him in the park. "Mason-- I-- I need to talk to you."

"I'm here!" His smile was so reassuring, so trusting. "You can talk to me about anything; are you down about your science grade? You know you're the smartest kid in school, right? And the prettiest."

The compliment made her heart ache even more. "It's- it's not about that."

"What then? What's wrong, coffee bean?" Mason stepped closer, concern evident in his expression.

Emma forced herself to meet his eyes. "Mase-- we-- we can't see each other anymore."

"What? Sure we can!" His face lit up with simple solution. "I'm only moving a couple of hours drive away! As soon as I get my license, I'm going to come visit you all the time."

"That's not what I mean." Emma's hands twisted together nervously.

Confusion clouded Mason's features. "I don't understand."

"I'm making a fresh start in high school, Mase. I think it'd be better if we don't see each other again." Each word felt like glass in her throat.

"I don't understand; what are you saying? Emma, I love you. Don't do this." His voice cracked, the hurt beginning to show in his eyes.

"I have to." She wrapped her arms around herself, as if holding herself together.

"This is because of Layla, isn't it? Emma don't listen to her!" Anger begun to edge into his voice.

"She thinks I wouldn't have failed the end of the year science test if I hadn't been spending too much time with you. And she's right!" The words rushed out, rehearsed but still painful.

Mason's face hardened. "So that's it? You're breaking up with me for a science grade?" His laugh was bitter, unamused. "And here I thought you actually cared about me."

"I do! I really do!" The tears threatened to fall. "But this is for the best, Mase. I'm thinking about your grades, too. We could both be doing better at school. But as long as we're together, we'll keep distracting each other. That's not fair on either of us."

"I don't accept that." His jaw clenched. "If you want us to work harder, we can work harder. That's not a fair reason to dump me. This is Layla's idea, not yours. If you're going to let her control your life, at least have the decency to admit it."

"What difference does it make? I've made up my mind. I'm sorry, Mase... I hope you can forgive me." She turned away then, each step feeling heavier than the last.

"Coffee bean? Coffee bean! Come back!"

The memory faded as Emma returned to the present, her bedroom coming back into focus. Hayley watched her with sympathetic eyes.

"Thanks for being there for me, Hales. You're a good friend. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about all this stuff before." Emma's voice was soft with gratitude.

"That would have saved me a lot of digging! But it's ok." Hayley smiled warmly.

"Can I ask you one more favor?"

"Sure! As long as it's not help with your science homework."

Emma laughed, the sound lighter than before. "I'd prefer it if the things we talked about stayed between us."

"Translation: don't tell Laylay. Not a problem." Hayley's phone suddenly rang, cutting through the moment. "Talking of Laylay, that's her now. Hey, where are you?" Her eyes widened as she listened. Turning to Emma, she explained, "It's Laylay– she says she's outside!"

Hayley bounced to the window, waving enthusiastically. "Ooh! HI LAYLAY!! She IS outside! I can see her out the window!"

"Maybe we should let her in?" Emma suggested with an amused smile.

"Oh, right!"

The sound of footsteps on the stairs preceded Layla's appearance. "Hey guys! So, what have I missed?"

"Nothing!" Hayley responded quickly. "We've just been discussing plans for tonight!"

"Awesome, bring it on!" Layla's enthusiasm filled the room.

Later that night, the club's bass thundered through their bodies as they stood in the crowded space. Colored lights swept across the dance floor, creating a disorienting kaleidoscope effect.

Layla had to shout to be heard. "Woah. It's even noisier here than I expected."

"WHAT?" Hayley cupped her ear, leaning closer.

"IT'S EVEN NOISIER HERE THAN I EXPECTED!"

"OH, YEAH, IT IS!"

Emma shifted uncomfortably, the heat of the packed club pressing in on her. "It's warm in here, and it's making me thirsty. I'm going to see if I can find something refreshing to drink." She moved away from her friends, disappearing into the crowd.

Hayley scratched her head, watching Emma's retreating figure. "Did you hear what Emma said?"

"Not really!" Layla shouted back.

"So... see any cute guys you like?"

A soft smile played across Layla's lips. "Not so much. Actually, I think you're the cutest person here."

Hayley's cheeks flushed pink in the strobing lights. "Then...do you wanna dance?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

Meanwhile, Emma navigated through the crowded club, muttering to herself, "I wish it wasn't so dark in here..." She stumbled to a stop as she recognized two familiar figures ahead. Crystal's voice carried over the music as she pressed close to Mason.

"This has been such a lovely evening! Dinner, that romantic walk in the park...and now this!"

Mason's response was hesitant. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

"Aren't you?"

"Of course! It's just been a while since I've been on a date. I'm a little nervous."

Crystal's voice grew sweeter. "Don't be. Everything has been perfect."

Emma couldn't bear to watch anymore. A sob escaped her throat as she turned and fled, pushing through the crowd. Behind her, Mason's confused voice called out, "Emma?"

The music continued to pound through the club, masking the sound of her heart breaking all over again.