~Cameron~

"I thought I told you to shut the hell up and go away."

"You did."

"So why didn't you?"

"Because I don't want to."

"Well do it anyway."

"Make me."

*****

"Yes Mr. Wexler."

"I just don't see why a girl like you would do such a thing! That was totally uncalled for."

"He wouldn't leave me alone."

"That's no excuse! He was only concerned for your safety. He tells me you used to be friends. What happened, Cameron?"

"Life happened. People drift apart! It happens! He just couldn't get over himself when-"

"I'm going to stop you right there, Ms. Wilkes. You two didn't just drift apart, and I know that for a fact. Now why don't you tell me exactly what happened? And before you say no, I am capable of extending your suspension for behavioral reasons."

"Are you threatening me?"

"It's not a threat if it isn't uncalled for."

I sighed. "Jaime and I were friends because we're both messed up and he got too clingy and then ditched me for his girlfriend so I started hanging out with other people. He's stalking me, I swear. It wasn't my fault I had to make him go away!"

Now it was the principal's turn to sigh. "I will be speaking to your parents about this and you are suspended from school for two weeks. Goodbye, Ms. Wilkes."

He ushered me out of his office and shut the door.

"Shit."

•*•*•

~Jaime~

I tried. I really did.

I did my best to be nice, even when she didn't want me to. I understand more than she knows, and I know I could've helped her.

But she just had to break my hand.

I'm typing this on my phone because I can't exactly use my hand. I've been poking it with my nose. I honestly don't know what got into her - the lying, the cursing, the violence. She was so sweet in the beginning.

I feel bad for trying to get her a date. Not for her though. I feel bad for those guys. I feel bad for most people who know her, really. I don't know how they stand it.

Oh wait. 99% of the school hates her.

The one exception is Addie. I think she feels bad for her.

Oh, the doctor is here. I guess it's time to find out how my hand is.

•*•*•

~Cameron~

"Cammi, how could you? The poor boy, he didn't deserve that! Why, why in the world would you do something like that? And don't even mention the suspension. You know what? You're grounded."

"I don't-"

"For at least a month. Maybe three. Now get out of my kitchen."

•*•*•

~Jaime~

The bones in three of my fingers were practically ground up. They can't fix it. I have to have the hand amputated. I can't go through with this. They gave me some pain meds, enough for the week up until the operation. Maybe that'll be enough. I just can't do this.

•*•*•

~Cameron~

"Dad, I-"

"Enough. I don't want to hear this. You had no right whatsoever to do anything even remotely like this. I just don't understand why you did it. My daughter... Put your mother on the phone."

"But dad-"

"Cameron Giada Wilkes. Do it."

"Here, mom."

She took the phone and pointed me back to my room.

I trudged halfway up the steps, then stopped to listen.

"Honey, I know, but she's still-" There was a pause.
"Yes, yes, but really-" She was interrupted again.
"I think this is uncalled for, Brian."

"WELL SO WAS WHAT SHE DID!"

My mother took a deep breath before speaking. "While I agree with that, I believe it would be a bit too brash to put her up for adoption. She's our only child, Bri. Think about this for a minute."

"I've been thinking about this since I heard."

My mother sighed. "I can't, Bri. It's too much. I really have to think about the fact that-"

"Me or her."

"What?"

"Me or her. Choose. Give her up, or I don't come home."

"Brian-"

"Marissa."

There was silence for a minute, and I feared the worst. Then my mother's voice could be heard, though it was little more than a whisper. "Her."