"-And then I freaked out in front of everybody. Turns out he was talking about play scripts." Jeremy finished explaining what happened to Michael. His friend nodded, listening intently.

    "Geez Jer. I told you not to think about it!" He replied.

    "I tried! It's just not working." Jeremy sighed exasperated. The boys were walking home after a long day at school. "This is my stop." He looked at his house. Michael gave his shoulder a reassuring pat.

    "I'll come by later. Hey, at least you get to spend some time with your Dad right?" He smiled.

    "You're right. See ya later." Jeremy watched Michael continue on before heading up the stairs to his own house. He was thankful that his Dad was doing so much better. Ever since he and Jeremy's Mom divorced he hadn't been the same. He and Jeremy hardly talked, and he got to the point where he refused to wear pants or even leave the house except to go to work sometimes. Jeremy missed his Mom, but he hadn't heard from her in forever it felt like. He used to look forward to her calls when he was younger. The only person who understood somewhat was Michael, who noticed how happy his friend got when his dad would tell him he had a phone call. Eventually the calls stopped, and one day Jeremy just knew he wasn't going to hear from her anymore. He cried for hours that night, trying to hold it together while Michael was over but to no avail.

    "She's found someone else, a new family. I just know it!" He cried into his friend's hoodie.

    "Oh come on, it'll be okay Jer." Michael tried to comfort him.

    "It's true! I heard them arguing over the phone last night! She probably has a new kid too, a son who's better than I could ever be! Who won't disappoint her... make her leave-" Jeremy couldn't even talk anymore. Michael hugged him tighter.

    "No! No, no, no!" He said rapidly. "You had nothing to do with her leaving, don't talk like that. You are not a disappointment, trust me."

    "Then why? You can't know that for sure! Was it something I did? I don't understand... why do I- why do I have to be... s-such A LOSER?!" Jeremy shouted, gripping Michael's hoodie in frustration. It pained Michael to see his friend like this, knowing there wasn't much he could do.

    "Jeremy Heere you are not a loser, and if that's what you think a loser is then heck, I'm sure glad to be one too." He told him. Jeremy looked up at him with sad eyes, a fresh wave of tears falling.

    "Thanks Michael." He laid his head back down then sighed, "Let's just face it. We are losers, probably forever." Michael just continued to comfort him. "I-I think I'm gonna head to bed now, Dad doesn't need to see me like this." Jeremy said after a while.

    "Of course, you go on ahead, I'll see myself out." Michael told him. He made sure Jeremy was situated before heading downstairs. Mr. Heere was sitting in the dining room. "Goodbye Mr. Heere. I'm heading out. Jeremy ended up going to sleep early." Michael said not entirely lying.

    "Alright, it was good to see you Michael." He sighed looking upstairs, a sad expression on his face. He must have suspected what happened. Michael was about to keep going, but then he was stopped suddenly. "It's been hard on him. It's been hard for the both of us." Jeremy's Dad said, not speaking to Michael in particular it seemed. "I don't know what we're going to do."

* * * *

    Now it seemed Mr. Heere finally found the strength to move on. He realized he needed to be there for Jeremy, he was the one who stayed, and now he was determined to show that he was there for his son. Jeremy walked inside, closing the door.

    "Dad I'm home!" He called.

    "There he is!" His Dad answered from his favorite sofa. "How was school bud?" Jeremy shrugged.

    "Same old same old." He went to grab something to snack on. "Rich came back today."

    "The pyromaniac?"

    "Dad!" Jeremy dropped his apple.

    "Sorry, sorry. I know he's your friend. It's good that he's back." Mr. Heere apologized. Jeremy sighed looking at his quickly bruising apple in disappointment.

    "Michael still coming over tonight?" His Dad asked still facing the T.V.

    "When isn't he?" Jeremy joked. His best friend practically lived here to the point of just walking in the door at times. The same went for whenever Jeremy visited his house.

    "I'm just glad you two are back to being close again. The universe shifted a little when you weren't." Mr. Heere said. A wave of guilt surfaced in Jeremy. He didn't like to talk about that time, neither did Michael. The two of them hadn't brought it up, almost like a silent agreement. Jeremy figured Michael just didn't want to talk about it even though he sort of felt like they should.

    "Me too." Was all he said. Jeremy lugged his things upstairs throwing his backpack on his bed. It still showed the word 'boyf' courtesy of Rich. He went for his laptop and laughed at himself for almost expecting a shock, from back when the Squip would punish him for his old internet ways. He realized how tired he was, he hadn't been able to get a decent night's sleep since those dumb dreams started happening. Michael was the only one who knew about them. Jeremy had tried to tell his Dad about the Squip but he hadn't believed him. If anything Jeremy might have been sent to some doctor for therapy. Heck, I probably need it, he thought bitterly. Just then his phone buzzed shaking him out of his thoughts.

    Christine: Hey, are you okay? Just a little worried still after Theater today.

    Jeremy felt his heart flutter. It was sweet that she was worried about him.

    Jeremy: Hey! I'm fine, really. Just still... getting back in the swing of things.

    Christine: Is it the Squip?

    Jeremy: That obvious huh?

    Next thing he knew she was calling. He answered after a beat.

    "You don't have to lie to me silly." Christine's light voice came through. "If anything you should talk about it. Remember I'm here if you need someone." Jeremy smiled gratefully from his end of the line.

    "Thanks Christine. It's really good to know that. In a way I sort of deserve this. Punishment for being an idiot." He laughed.

    "I won't argue on the idiot part." She giggled in return. Jeremy realized this was his chance. If he was gonna ask her now was the time!

    "Hey, uh Christine? You've been a really nice friend to me lately, and I think you're super awesome. We've gotten a chance to get to know each other a little better over the course of these crazy months. I've been wanting to do something... for awhile now. I remember what you said to me before and... basically what i'm trying to say is... Christine?"

    "Yes Jeremy?"

    "Would you maybe sorta want to-" Just then Jeremy's bedroom door burst open and Michael bounded into the room.

    "Michael makes an entrance!" He shouted triumphantly.

    "Michael!?" Jeremy shouted in surprise jumping a few feet in the air and falling off his bed.

    "...Michael?" A confused Christine asked on her end of the line.

    "No! I-I mean yes? But that's not what I meant!" Jeremy tried to regain his composure. He shot Michael a glance and his friend's face flooded with sudden understanding of the situation. 'Sorry!' He mouthed and sat on the other end of the bed listening intently. "Christine, what I was going to ask was... would you want to meet me tomorrow at the park after school? I figured we could ya' know talk and hangout?" Jeremy asked hoping for the best.

    "Sure thing! Sounds like fun. Will it just be us two?" She asked.

    "If that's alright with you?" Jeremy was practically biting his lip off at this point.

    "That's perfect, it's a date! Just text me the time and i'll be there!" Christine replied cheerily.

    "A- d-da-...?" Jeremy couldn't form words anymore. Michael took the phone out of his stuttering friend's hands.

    "Will do! He'll be there." Then he hung up a smug look on his face. "Did my boy just land himself a date? With Christine?!" Michael started shaking Jeremy who finally regained his will to move.

    "I think I did. She actually said yes!" He was grinning from ear to ear. "I'm gonna do it Michael. I'm going to ask Christine if she would be my girlfriend."

    "I knew you could do it! You know what this means right? Celebration time." Michael raised his eyebrows at Jeremy with a knowing look.

    "Oh no, definitely not." Jeremy and Michael had two different ideas of celebration.

    "Why not? I may or may not have brought stuff." Michael whined.

    "No! We are not getting high in my house Michael! My Dad's here!" Jeremy protested.

    "Sooo we'll wait till he's not here." His friend persisted. "Besides no one said it had to be the actual smoking way. I may suck at cooking but I can bake some mean brownies Heere."

    "You're such a stoner Mell." Jeremy laughed crossing his arms in mock frustration.

    "Hey, you never complain when it's at my house!" Michael protested.

    "That's because we're in your basement where you keep it from your parents." Jeremy shot back.

    "I haven't been busted in forever!"

    "You're impossible." Jeremy shoved Michael away laughing. "You literally put the 'high' in high school."

    "Fine fine fine, if Christine agrees to date you, no I mean when Christine agrees to date you, we have to have celebratory brownies. We can even do it at my place if you're so paranoid. Do we have a deal?" Michael stuck his hand out. Jeremy now with his back facing Michael, turned slightly looking at his friend's hand out of the corner of his eye.

    "Ugh fine, deal!" Jeremy turned around and shook his hand finally giving in. Michael fist pumped the air obviously satisfied. Jeremy pouted for agreeing so easily, but he was never good at holding his own. Michael fished around in his backpack until he found what he was looking for. He held Apocalypse of the Damned II in his hands. Usually the two played in his basement, but Jeremy had a console of his own they could use. The latter moved to set up the system.

    "You showed up earlier than I was expecting." Jeremy said referencing the earlier interruption.

    "Sorry, I figured I'd surprise you."

    "Well consider myself surprised!" Jeremy laughed. The boys enjoyed each other's company for the remainder of the night. This was one of their favorite past times. Jeremy felt as if this was one of the few times he could slip away from the mess that was his life recently. It was a sweet escape where he could blast away his problems as easily as the fake zombies in the game. He looked over and saw Michael deep in concentration, tongue sticking out slightly, as he focused on the targets. Jeremy smiled. Just like old times.

    "Look out to your right!" Michael's sudden shout snapped Jeremy out of his nostalgia. His character in the game was tackled by a swarm of zombies. The unpleasant red 'Game Over' sign flashed mockingly.

    "Dang it!" The two groaned in unison.

    "It's getting pretty late, my folks will be wanting me home soon." Michael rolled off Jeremy's bed. "You look like you could use a good night's sleep yourself." Jeremy was suddenly filled with dread. He wasn't ready to face his nightmares tonight. He was beginning to fear sleep altogether.

    "Yeah... sleep." Jeremy said weakly.

    Michael sensed his friend's uncomfortableness. "That bad huh?" He asked. Jeremy looked away shamefully. "Hey, there isn't anything to be worried about." Michael tried to reassure him. Jeremy knew he was right, for a moment he actually felt great, but he knew that once Michael left the loneliness would set in.

    "I just know what's waiting for me tonight." He confessed. Michael sort of shuffled awkwardly for a minute before his eyes lit up with an idea.

    "How about I stay over tonight? Maybe if you aren't alone, the dreams won't bother you so much." He suggested. Jeremy considered this instantly perking up. It did seem like a great idea, he was relieved Michael was willing to help him out.

    "If that's not any trouble, that would be awesome." He smiled gratefully.

    "It's no big! I'll just clear it with my parents, and then of course your Dad." Michael answered nonchalantly.

    "You're the best Michael." Jeremy shocked his friend by jumping up and pulling him into a hug.

    "Yeah, yeah." Michael laughed accepting the hug graciously before pushing him off playfully. So it was settled. Mr. Heere didn't have a problem with Michael sleeping over, and his own parents were cool with it. Since it was a school night, tomorrow was Friday thankfully, Michael had to get his things for the next day. The two boys didn't have a problem sharing a bed. They'd done it many times before so it wasn't awkward. Jeremy fluffed his side of the bed making sure it was just right. He hoped this plan would work. He felt a little guilty, if this did work he didn't want Michael to feel like he was being used. Jeremy knew it was a silly thought, it would be nice to just be in the company of his best friend again. They hadn't done something like this in so long. Well we are in high school, Jeremy thought to himself.

    Michael came back from the bathroom clothed in his fuzzy pajamas. "Alright dreams, show me what you got." Jeremy stifled a laugh at how ridiculous he looked. They nestled into bed, Michael setting his glasses safely on the nightstand and Jeremy clicking off the light. They faced each other in silence.

    "If this is awkward I can turn around." Michael whispered.

    "This is fine." Jeremy assured him. He closed his eyes, finding comfort in the person beside him giving off warmth. Before he knew it sleep overcame him.

* * * *

    Jeremy woke up to a cold spot beside him. He sat up confused then looking over he realized Michael was gone. He noticed a light shining from under his door. Wondering what time it was, Jeremy began looking for his phone. Eventually giving up, he got out of bed and cautiously made his way to the door.

    "Michael?" He called out softly, opening the door. He stepped out of his room and instantly found himself standing in the middle of a stage. Recognizing it at once as the high school stage, Jeremy's eyes widened and he immediately wished he hadn't left his bedroom. It was dark until a single spotlight came on, revealing the thing Jeremy was really starting to hate.

    "You can't hide from me forever Jeremy." The Squip spoke. "You need me. I won't stop until I have satisfied your needs."

    "I don't need you anymore. Please just leave me alone!" Jeremy shot back. The Squip laughed not moving. Its eyes seemed to pierce straight through Jeremy.

    "I see nothing has changed. All the work I did, tossed aside." It looked over him unimpressed. "Everything about you is so terrible." It growled.

    "N-No." Jeremy began to back away, refusing to listen to the Squip.

    "Everything about you makes me want to die." It continued in a harsh tone.

    "Stop!" It was starting to get to him. The crowd of familiar faces began to appear out of the darkness.

    "Everything about you sucks!" They taunted. Jeremy tried to cover his ears, attempting to block out the hateful words. It didn't seem to be working. He knew everything they were saying was true, it was all true! He was a horrible person, he was a fool for even thinking Christine would ever want to be with a nobody like him. Michael was probably only still his friend because he felt pity for him. Jeremy looked up at the Squip, his vision blurred by tears that had formed at some point. It smiled and morphed itself into Michael.

    "Everything about you is so terrible."

* * * *

    Jeremy shot up, his breaths practically coming in gasps. He wrapped his arms around himself realizing he was physically shaking. The sudden movement alerted Michael who quickly sat up. "Jeremy!" He said alarmed when he saw the state his friend was in. Then much quieter he asked, "It happened again didn't it?" Jeremy could only nod before bursting into silent sobs. Michael hugged him, letting him cry into his shoulder, an all too familiar scene.

    "This must be worse than I thought." He muttered, not wanting to press Jeremy about any details. At a point Michael had managed to lull him back to sleep, and it wasn't long until the alarm went off.

    The next day came, and the school day so far had been a drag. Jeremy was exhausted, and he felt bad for keeping Michael awake with him for most of the night. Surely this couldn't only be him having this problem. Not knowing what else to do, he pulled his phone out and typed a message to Rich.

    Jer: I think we should talk. Meet me at lunch.

    He sent the message hoping that Rich would be willing to talk. Trying to take his mind off of the previous night's events, Jeremy thought of what exactly he was going to say to Christine. Of course the main priority was to not be awkward, which in Jeremy's case didn't seem possible. He figured once they found a nice place to relax, maybe some casual conversation would ensue, then he could tell her how he felt. As if she could tell he was thinking about her, Christine bounced right up to him in the hallway.

    "Hey!"

    "Hey Christine!" Jeremy said a little higher than normal.

    "Sorry if I scared you." She laughed. Then her face changed to serious. "How are you today? You look off." Was it really that noticeable? Jeremy took up a fake smile hoping it would be convincing enough. He didn't want to worry Christine. But what if she's been having dreams too? Is it just me, or could it be everyone who had a Squip? Almost getting lost in his thoughts, Jeremy recovered.

    "Just a little trouble sleeping, I'm alright." He reassured her. He searched her face for any sign of recognition or anything that could say Jeremy wasn't alone in this.

    "Oh, ok. Well I'm excited for later!" Christine showed no falter in her facade. Either that, or she was just a really good actress.

    "Me too! I was thinking maybe around 5:30?" Jeremy offered.

    "Perfect! I'll see ya in theater!" Christine did a little skip as she walked away. The bell rang signaling the start of lunch. Jeremy navigated the cafeteria looking for Rich. He passed Chloe, Brooke, and Jenna's table and then he saw Rich a few down. He went in search of Michael next, finding him in line.

    "Hey man, I might join you a little late today. I've decided to talk to Rich about the dreams. I might not be the only one."

    "Whoa, you mean like your minds could be connected or something weird like that?" Michael asked intrigued.

    "I guess? I don't know. I'll catch up later." With that, Jeremy made his way over to Rich. He sat down hesitantly and looked around.

    "Dude loosen up, this isn't a drug deal." Rich raised an eyebrow at Jeremy's stiff position.

    "Sorry." He apologized sitting normally. Before he could say anything, Jake came limping along with his crutches.

    "Jakey D! My man, how's it hangin?" Rich did some weird handshake with Jake who sat down at the table.

    "Pretty good. Can't wait to get this thing off!" Jake replied pointing to his cast with annoyance. He noticed Jeremy sitting there quietly. "Hey Jeremy, how have you been?" He asked. The two of them used to be on rusty terms, back when Jake had asked Christine out. He wasn't aware of Jeremy's existence back then. Thanks to the Squip, Jake accepted Jeremy as a part of the popular crowd, and the two of them were getting used to each other more.

    "Getting by." Jeremy replied casually. Quickly following Jake's arrival, Chloe showed up wrapping her arms around Jake from behind.

    "Hey Jakey, I got your food for you." She pecked him on the cheek before sitting beside him.

    "Thanks babe, you're the best." Jake smiled. Chloe pulled out her phone and laughed at something she received.

    "Man, that Christine is a real hoot! You know not gonna lie, but I was sort of jealous of her before. Now that I'm getting to know her more she's not so bad!" She rambled on.

    "Yeah, she is pretty cool." Jake nodded along surprisingly not weirded out by the two hanging out. Rich must have been a popular guy at lunch because soon Brooke came bouncing up.

    "Hey Chlo!" She took a seat next to Chloe. The two of them had been the best of friends for as long as anyone could remember. You hardly saw one without the other, they were always practically connected at the hip. Jeremy realized he wouldn't be able to tell Rich anything with everyone else around.

    "So Rich, that thing I was going to tell you..." He started hoping Rich would catch on. Thankfully he seemed to get the memo.

    "Hey guys, could me and Jer have some alone time for a minute?" He asked. Jake pretended to look shocked.

    "Ok Goranski I see how you roll!" He joked.

    "Not like that idiot!" Rich shot back slightly flustered. "No offense Heere." He quickly added.

    "...None taken." Jeremy shrugged. He and Rich moved away from the others to a lone table at the back of the lunch room. Rich leaned in intently listening to what Jeremy had to say.

     "Well... I don't know about you but ever since the Squip-" Both he and Rich winced at the name, "-I've been having these dreams. Nightmares really, just about what happened and I can't get a decent nights sleep because of them, and I keep seeing it. It keeps telling me to let it back in, saying things... I don't know what to do, and I was wondering if... I might not be the only one." Jeremy couldn't help but ramble, it felt good to actually talk about it to someone who could possibly shed some light on what was happening. Rich seemed to be thinking about his words carefully.

    "I used to have them." He said after a while. "Mostly about the fire. They would happen frequently when I was in the hospital. I thought I had been in there so long I was going insane. They haven't happened as much lately, I just try to move on and think of..." He trailed off looking past Jeremy at his friends. Jake saw him and waved. "Other things." Jeremy saw a flash of pain behind Rich's eyes, but he cleared it as soon as it came. "It's normal ya know? We're expected to have a hard time coping with the aftermath. It'll get better, it just has too." Jeremy felt guilty for asking, especially if Rich was actually moving on. If he could, why was it so hard for Jeremy?

    "Yeah." He replied quietly. "How are things at home? With your Dad?" Jeremy asked after awhile.

    "Getting better." Rich answered cheering up slightly. "He's trying not to drink so much anymore."

    "That's great!" Jeremy smiled supportively. He couldn't imagine how it must be like for Rich at home.

    "Yeah. Just remember, don't think too hard on those dreams. It's what it wants you to do. Focus on the main priority which is yourself." He told Jeremy.

    "Don't worry, I will. As a matter of fact, I'm going to ask Christine out this afternoon." Jeremy replied feeling pretty good.

    "Way to go dude!" Rich high-fived him. "Remember my advice. Tell her she excites you." Then he leaned in and whispered, "Sexually." Jeremy busted out laughing. He was going to remember to definitely not say that. Thanking Rich for the words of encouragement, Jeremy left lunch feeling so much better about his situation. He remembered to find Michael and fill him in on what he found out.

    "Well that proves that you aren't crazy!" Michael immediately said. "Honestly though they sound pretty bad. About last night..." He trailed off uncertainly.

    "Don't worry. I know It seemed bad. I just have to learn to get through this." Jeremy told him, uncertainness creeping back.

    "Was I in it?" Michael asked quietly. Jeremy debated on telling him, before finally breaking.

    "Yeah. You're in quite a few of them actually." He sighed. Michael pondered the thought before giving him a side smile.

    "One more period." He said. Jeremy felt a smile forming on his own face, knowing exactly what his friend was talking about. Still he played dumb.

    "Before what?"

    "Christi-i-i-i-ine!" Michael sang dancing around Jeremy who joined him. They could care less that were in the middle of the hallway singing and dancing like idiots together.

    "This is gonna be great," Michael went on. "It's just what you need to leave all this Squip nonsense behind. Think of it as the next level of your life." He stretched his hand out as if showing the future.

    "Yeah." Jeremy followed Michael's hand with newfound determination. "The next level."